Abstract
The current study investigated the structures and dynamics of the study skills
questionnaire administered to 398 University of Rwanda (UR) undergraduate
students studying in the premises of National Police College (NPC). Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed
that the investigated study skills scales (time management, notes taking,
reading, writing, test-preparation, and test taking skills) are multidimensional.
Time management, note taking and writing scales were found to have
three factors while reading, test preparation and test taking have two factors.
The study shows that students need more support in terms of time-planning,
notes wording and polishing, content-reading strategies, referencing skills,
psychological abilities in preparing tests and standardized attitudes before
submitting scripts. The study recommends UR to elaborate the study skills
handbook as a guide for students. It also recommends the provision of guidance
and counselling services on the use of good study skills.