1. Attend classes
As Woody Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.” It is essential to attend class regularly. Classes provide more interaction with the professor and other students in the class, and taking your own notes is far more effective than studying with notes taken by someone else (even the professor). A recent study revealed that only 8% of polled students believed using someone else’s notes to be as useful as taking their own. Attending class and taking your own notes will help you learn the material much more effectively than using someone else’s notes.
2. Work with a Study Buddy
Students who work together in small peer groups or with a “study buddy” significantly improve their learning outcomes and academic success rates. Study buddies are especially effective for exam preparation. Studying with a partner offers another perspective and quizzing one another is a time-tested way to memorize the material.
3. Join a Study Group Online Nursing Student
Although many students join study groups before exam time, studying with a group throughout the semester is a good way to increase retention of the material and to identify and work on any knowledge gaps.
4. Meet with Your Instructor During Office Hours
All instructors have office hours. Take advantage of these times to meet one-on-one with your professor. Meeting with your professor to clarify concepts and ideas will help you master the material for the class and may improve your grade.
5. Use the “3RTechnique” Before Class
The “3R Technique” stands for reading, recite, and review. When preparing for class, read a section of the assigned material, then close the book. Recite everything you can remember about what you just read. Review the material by reading it again to correct anything you got wrong when you recited the material or to revisit important information you may have overlooked when you recited the material. Studies show that students who use this technique demonstrate much better material retention.
6. If You’re Struggling, Find a Tutor
Nursing school is notoriously difficult. There is a lot of information to memorize, and a lot of difficult concepts to understand. There is no shame in struggling in a class or being confused about a subject. If you’re having difficulty in a subject, book an appointment with a tutor. Tutors provide personalized, one-on-one attention, and can help you memorize information and understand concepts. These things can help you do better in class.
These six tips should help you succeed in nursing school. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone! If you need help, reach out. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it, and when it comes to nursing school, some new study techniques and some extra help can make all the difference.
California Southern University’s School of Nursing offers a CCNE accredited BSN or MSN 100% online programs. Take advantage of our interest-free, “E-Z” monthly payment option of $250.00 for Undergraduate Studies and $350 for Graduate Studies. For more information on our BSN or MSN 100% online programs please CLICK HERE.