Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

No one can deny the importance of teaching and learning in the whole process of education. This process can only become successful when teachers fully know their subject matter and effectively communicate it to students while students have a clear view of their abilities, have good study habits and are able to use effective study skills. Learning how to study involves putting away the habits and ideas which have made study unpleasant and burdensome, and talking on habits and ideas which make study more pleasant and fruitful. Why does one individual learn more quickly and thoroughly than other? The main reason for inefficiency in learning is ones carelessness and ineffective study habits. According to Crow & Crow (1992) the effective habits of study include plan/place, a definite time table and taking brief of well - organized notes. To successfully study a student must decide what information is important. All these things must be done to the best of his ability in the shortest possible span of time. Because, knowledge is very important to every person, hence it is wise to learn how to study in the most effective way. Experts are agreed that great success in the field of knowledge is attributed to good and consistent study habits. Like any other activity, skill and dedication are the key points for learning, how to learn. According to Azikiwe (1998) study habits are the adopted way and manner, when a student plans his/her private readings, after classroom learning so as to attain mastery of the subject. According to Azikiwe good study skills are good asset to learners because, these assist students to attain mastery in areas of specialization and consequent excellent performance, while the opposite constitute constraints to learning and achievement leading to failure. Sorenson