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Study Skills 
 

You have much to look forward to at NHC. The process of self-discovery and learning is an investment in yourself. A few study strategies can dramatically increase your success as a student. The Learning Center has more information on any of these study skills topics. Good luck!

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Time Scheduling and Goal Development
Classroom and Campus Interaction
Studying On Your Own
Personal Care
 
Time Scheduling and Goal Development
 
1. Begin with a monthly calendar to record exam dates, due dates for papers, projects, and other obligations.
2. Create weekly schedules based on this monthly calendar. Include classes, study time, and other items such as work and social events. Plan two hours of study time for every hour you spend in class.
3. Develop daily schedules and task lists from your weekly schedule.

Developing this schedule system allows you to break large tasks into small, specific goals.

Plan your study schedule so that you have time to handle each of these smaller goals.

Just as you break your monthly calendar down into weekly and daily schedules, break your assignments down into smaller, more manageable goals. Incorporate these smaller goals into your daily schedule.

Arrange your class and study schedule to maximize use of time when you are most alert. Plan to handle your most difficult subjects during these times of highest energy.

 
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Classroom and Campus Interaction
 

Develop your own standard system for note-taking, including your organization style (such as outlining, diagrams, listing, and margin notes), abbreviations, etc. Concentrate on the main ideas the speaker presents. The speaker is usually making an important point if he or she:

  • Pauses before or after an idea
  • Uses repetition to emphasize a point
  • Uses introductory phrases to precede an important idea
  • Writes an idea on the board
Review your notes frequently, beginning as soon as possible after the lecture. Repetition is key to learning new information for a long-term basis.
Ask questions- of yourself, your books, your instructors, your classmates, and others. This process incorporates taking responsibility for your learning.
Organize study groups to compare notes and discuss class material. These study groups can develop a sense of your school as a community in which people can create meaningful, trusting relationships, learning from and with each other.
Get to know your instructors! Visit them during their office hours. Ask questions you didn't get answered or seek clarification of anything that remains confusing.
 
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Studying On Your Own
 
Use a regular study area. Make sure you have an appropriate work space with limited distractions, proper lighting, and all of the supplies you will need.
  • You decide what's important
  • You read actively rather than passively
  • You create your own review tool by using your markings to trigger recall
1. Use margins to summarize key ideas, outline a passage, make comments to yourself, and make connections.
2. Underline key phrases
3. Be consistent in identifying all significant ideas, details, etc.
 
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Personal Care
 
Maintaining good habits of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management determines for your endurance through the semester.
1. Eat well-balanced meals slowly. Make mealtime an opportunity to relax.
2. Select an exercise you enjoy and develop that activity as a regular part of your weekly and daily schedules.
3. Schedule 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night and develop a regular bedtime.
4. Stress management should be addressed on a daily basis. Activities such as muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and guided imagery can be used in numerous ways to control stress.
   
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