Combines theory, research, and applications to teach college students how to become more self-directed learners. This book treats study skills as a serious academic course. It teaches students about human motivation and learning as they improve their study skills.

New in the third edition: discussion of achievement motivation via four motivational student profiles; expanded treatment of sociocultural factors affecting motivation; new material on student identity issues (possible selves); extended discussion of the rational emotive approach to changing one's emotions and using physical relaxation techniques; attention to use of time based on categorizing tasks into urgent and important; new coverage of social loafing and I-messages; and additional new exercises and follow-up activities. A separate Instructor's Manual provides helpful information for teaching the material, including additional exercises and experiences for students, essay test questions, information on how students can maintain a portfolio to demonstrate their acquisition of learning and study skills, and guidelines for helping students complete a self-management study of their own behavior.