Learning and Study Strategies: Academic Achievement and Gender Differences

Abstract

To do well in school and for enhanced academic success, effective Learning and Study strategies are important. The objectives of this research work were to determine gender differences, if any, in Learning and Study strategies in high school students and to find the relationship between these strategies and Academic achievement. To do this, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) - Weinstein & Palmer, (2002) was administered to a group of 684, 8th std., school students, of which 363 were boys and 321 were girls. These students were selected from private schools of Bangalore; all the 4 zones – north, south, east, and west - were represented. All the students chosen were studying the state syllabus. The results of the research indicate gender differences in the following strategies – processing of information, motivation and selection of main ideas. No gender differences emerged for Academic achievement. Further, academic achievement was found to be significantly related to levels of anxiety, attitude, concentration ability, selection of main ideas, effective time management and test taking strategies.Keywords: Learning strategies, Study strategies, Academic Achievement, Gender difference.