Study Habits
I have never been one who likes to study. I have some built-in objection to reading something once thoroughly, taking good notes, and then having to read it, or parts of it, again before some sort of examination.
My tendency to avoid studying has been strengthened by the fact that I do not fail. This is not the statement of an egoist. It is not a mantra meant to empower a Brian Warshaw with dwindling confidence.
It is, simply, the truth.
I am not suggesting that studying is something to be avoided by all, particularly those in pursuit of something more concrete than an English degree. For students in maths and sciences, studying is not only recommended, but sometimes necessary. In something so abstract as literature, however, where the answer is valid so long as proof is present and conviction is evident, a clearing of the mind, a good night's sleep, and a confidence in one's ability to know their own thoughts will serve a great deal more than frantic cramming.
Granted, if the English student has failed to immerse himself in the coursework prior to examination, said student may consider himself in need of some sort of preparation. Of course, such a student has missed the entire point of reading the material in the first place, and, having reduced the class to a matter of tests and grades, deserves to (and just may) be failed anyhow.
As for myself, I take pride in participating in my courses, and contributing to discussion even when I have failed to do the reading (gasp!). I feel that this approach is a more logical, realistic, and accurately defined method of studying.
Thus far, it has served me well.
