A Survey on Level of Students’ Familiarity with Studying Methods in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2010

Introduction: Nowadays, efficient studying is considered as an important element in social development and progress through which the public and epecially university students gain a lot. Therefore, studying methods and skills should be considered in all educational levels ,especially higher education.The purpose of this research is to determine the level of students’ familiarity with studying methods in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2010. Methods: This is an applied survey research in which the data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire. Its validity and reliability were confirmed by library and information sciences specialists and cronbach's alpha (r=0.813) respectively. Statistical population consisted of all students in Isfahan University of Medical Scinces (5999 cases) and the samples were 357. Sampling method was random stratified sampling.Data were analyzed by descriptive (frequency destribution, mean…) and inferential (T-test, ANOVA) statistics through SPSS software. Results:The findings showed that the mean level score of students familiarity in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with survey reading and speed reading were 15.78 and 15.7 respectively ( higher than average ,mean average = 15). Familiarity level of students with phrase reading with mean 13.29 was higher than average (mean average = 12). Familiarity level of students with close reading was 29.6 that was higher than average (mean average = 27). Familiarity level of students with inquiry reading was 15.52 , higher than average (mean average = 15). Also, familiarity level of students with critical reading and reading for aesthetic appraisal were 20.94 and 21.68 respectivley, higher than average (mean average = 18). Comparison between students ‘gender and the rate of familiarity with studying methods showed no significant difference. Also, familiarity level of students with studying methods was not the same in different colleges. Conclusion: The results showed that students’ familiarity levels with studying methods (survey reading , speed reading, phrase reading ,close reading, inquiry reading,critical reading ,reading for aesthetic appraisal) were higher than average in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Students were also more familiar with method of reading for aesthetic appraisal and less with speed reading. Generally, all students and education practitioners should pay special attention to various studying methods and their various applications