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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 15, No. 5. April 3, 1952

Prof. Bailey Says: — Women Study Too Much

page 3

Prof. Bailey Says:

Women Study Too Much

In a recent lecture, "Methods of Study," Professor Bailey (Education) discussed several matters which should be of interest not only to freshers, but to students generally.

According to past experience, he said, one-third of the examinations sat by those listening to him would be failed. The fault was to be found in the failure to readjust oneself from the ordered secondary school life to the freedom of University education, and the failure to adopt study methods suitable for this.

A few points he made were:
1.Know your syllabus. (He had known even Hons, students who tried to get by without a Calendar). Textbooks were vital: reliance on notes solely was suicidal.
2.if considering progressing in a certain subject, note the following stages.
3.Own your own books, thus be able to score them. The sight of the "immaculate textbook" was a pitiful one.
4.Work out a study timetable at least a week ahead, and keep to it (!)—the best way to prevent the overwhelming sense of "too much to do." Time for each subject: if a full-timer, touch on each once a day, as a general rule; but this depended largely on one's psychological makeup. Beware the common-room "armchair" type (what armchairs?) and above all the club secretary generally. But one should play a part in University activities: women in particular, he said, were inclined to place too much emphasis on study.
5.Use loose-leaf notes generally rather than lecture-books, to facilitate rearranging of material. It was also a good idea to keep a jotting book (Samuel Johnson's "commonplace book") in which to note down any random thoughts or ideas.
6."Swot parties"; possibly in "Study Week" were a good idea. (The plan as suggested by Prof. Bailey was much the same as at Congress, with the exception that definite subjects might be studied).
7.Set an attainable goal in reading. Do not consult more than three or four books on the one subject at a time. Acknowledge quotations and ideas.
8.In writing, avoid the ornate style; aim at clearness of expression.
9.In taking lecture notes, do not attempt to get down every word, or even every idea. Preliminary reading was necessary, also reading through one's notes after the lecture.
10.in reading textbooks, skim quickly through the whole first, then read through more carefully. Do not ignore the Introduction or the Index.
11.Studying conditions were masters for the individual, but the student should possess a reading lamp, and not be too comfortable or too warm.

Many old ideas restated here, certainly; but none which would not provide food for thought for someone.

Scribex.