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1: The ISI book by the same name is better...
~A Student's Guide to History~ is boring, and is mostly about formatting papers in Chicago / Turabian style The Intercollegiate Studies Institute's book (ISBN:1882926412) by the same name, but with a different author (i.e. John Luckacs) is much better. I wouldn't buy this Benjamin book unless a professor says you absolutely have to have it, and even then, one could find out about the formatting of papers from information online.
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2: A great introductory companion for the study of history
I was assigned this book for my historical methods course while in college. Throughout my time as a history major, it proved to be very helpful. The most important aspects of the book, for me, were the citation and format examples. It is common knowledge that one can just buy a style guide book, but Benjamin's effort provides the context in which it should be used. The listings of where to find information on the web as well as in journals, monographs, etc. is priceless. Another book that was assigned for my course that I feel was more helpful in my study of historiography and how to view history was Edward Hallet Carr's What Is History? I highly recommend both of these books for the college history student or someone that is interested in the methodology of history.
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3: Solid Assistant for Teaching about Historical Thinking
I use this book in my "Learning Strategies for History" college course that I have taught now for 4 semesters. I replaced the Pugh&Pace book with this one for several reasons but Benjamin's book is not perfect and should be used along with a program that introduces and challenges to practice the skills he discusses.
The book has 5 chapters. The first is a description of history as as subject and how it is used in every day life. The examples of primary and secondary materials is especially useful and this continues throughout the book.
The second chapter covers what I call the "nuts and bolts" of history classes. First the different types of reading you will have to do and briefly how you should approach each type whether it be a legal code, a personal letter, a photograph or a map. Second he too briefly discusses note taking and this is where students will need a lot of very solid examples of the various techniques as well as repeated practice. Finally he discusses exam preparation and taking.
The third chapter looks at different types of writing assignments and how to approach them. Again students will need guides to grammar and practice with each type of assignment.
Chapter four gets into the heart of any upper level history course: research. His end book guide to various books and online resources is very valuable as a starting place. This chapter also illustrates a few ways to take notes from what you are reading and there is a solid guide to citation and bibliography construction.
The final chapter not only discusses how to write a research paper,and to a degree any paper, but also walks the reader through a sample paper. I'm not thrille with endnotes myself nor with including images in one's college paper but still it is better than no example at all. By listing the major points the author is making in the sample paper in the margins I think it is a good guide for students attempting to organize their own writing. Again though students will require practice and feedback.
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4: Good Overall Reference
I would not say that this book is CRITICAL to being a good history student but it has certainly helped. Benjamin lays everything out in basics and is well-organized. I do appreciate the fact that he does give credit to finding information on the Internet as that is becoming the dominant form of "net-casting" for most college students.
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5: An essential handbook for college history students.
I like its clear organization which makes the book easy to understand. Its headings are focused and consistent with teaching the important academic skills necessary for college students to be successful in the study of college history. The sections on the net and databases are invaluable. If students wish to do well in their history courses, this is the book for them.
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