I have always been curious about my own learning style and the things I can improve on my life. This is even more so especially when these days I am taking a certification course and is planning to go back to academia in the coming future. I wanted to fix the things I have not been able to back in the day, which is being a good students and learning effectively. This is why, I've been on a search of a good study guide handbook and I came across a book by Stella Cottrell titled The Study Skills Handbook. This book is quite old and has had a few editions. The book is also accesible on archive.org and you can borrow it by hourly basis. So if after reading this review you are intrigued, you know where to look for it.

The Study Skills handbook is catered to students who are prepping for university but I don't see that as a limitation for the audience intended especially when it comes to learning, time-management, and discovering the world of reflective learning. It also has quite intriguing chapter about Virtue vs effectiveness where it lays out that studying 50 hours/week does not always mean a good grades. It all sounds all too familiar and inside this book it offers some suggestion in improving common learning mistake such as, not being picky about the information and source that we're choosing.

Time management is also included in this book that I think could apply to all walks of life. I personally find more value in this as now that I am back home, I have to juggle with many things including another task into my plate which is the course I am currently enrolled in. The book has quite reasonable suggestions even for someone who is currently working and studying at the same time.

Finding motivation when you can't.....

It took me many years to realize that the only person I should compare myself to is my past self. This book provides an insight into tips how to motivate yourself when the subject becomes hurdle and too tedious to do. I wasn't a good student and I realized why I gave up pretty often because I never figured out the outcomes that I wanted for learning. I was only going through the motions and what society dictates. But I won't repeat the same mistakes I did and I had a clear intentions why I am taking my current path and why I am doing it. The book has many graphics, prompts and questions that will also help you know your " why" and also tips on how to find motivations and where to look for when you can't.

I have to say that though the intended audience is students and perhaps you'll be find even without this book, but it's pretty comprehensive book with many tips to learning, studying, management and even dealing with workgroup, discrimination and unfair treatement that might arise during your learning journey. Personally, there were a lot of values that I can get from the book and it doesn't have to be read in one go. You can always return, pick the chapter that suits you and learn from it. In any case, this book is definitely more suitable for students but also those who are interested in improving their learning skills.