Summary of "Study Strategies for the NCLEX: Unlocking Effective Learning Techniques"
Summary of "Study Strategies for the NCLEX: Unlocking Effective Learning Techniques"
This webinar, hosted by Jennifer Bonner, a certified nurse midwife and tutor team lead at Archer Review, focuses on effective study strategies tailored for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam. Jennifer shares insights on identifying personal learning styles, active studying methods, and practical tips for mastering NCLEX-style questions.
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Introduction and Audience Engagement
- Jennifer welcomes participants from diverse locations worldwide, emphasizing the shared goal of becoming or advancing as nurses.
- Participants are encouraged to identify their learning styles via interactive polling.
- Understanding Learning Styles
- Visual Learners: Prefer diagrams, pictures, written instructions, and note-taking.
- Auditory Learners: Learn best through listening, repeating information aloud, and verbal explanations.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Learn through hands-on activities, acting out concepts, and require frequent breaks.
- Importance of recognizing one’s learning style to tailor study methods effectively.
- Self-Assessment of Study Habits
- Reflect on past study methods: what worked and what didn’t.
- Rank current study habits and be open to adapting new strategies.
- Effective Study Techniques
- Practice Questions: Essential for familiarity with NCLEX format and question styles (e.g., select all that apply).
- Flashcards: Useful for on-the-go review; group similar topics to identify patterns.
- Teaching Others: Explaining material to someone else (even a pet or doll) enhances understanding.
- Note-Taking and Concept Mapping:
- Use color coding and bullet points.
- Concept maps (e.g., Venn diagrams) help compare and contrast related topics.
- Listening to Lectures/Podcasts: Can be done during daily activities like walking or commuting.
- Identifying Knowledge Gaps: Keep a dedicated notebook to track unclear topics and revisit them.
- Memorization vs. Understanding
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding concepts rather than rote memorization.
- Use rationale explanations for Practice Questions to deepen comprehension.
- Apply critical thinking to new scenarios instead of just recalling facts.
- Active Studying
- Engage with material by creating study guides, rewording questions, and regularly reviewing notes.
- Utilize Archer Review’s Study Plans (3-week, 6-week, 12-week) depending on individual needs.
- Incorporate mnemonic devices and songs to aid memory.
- Answering NCLEX-Style Questions
- Familiarize with question types and practice regularly.
- Use strategies such as:
- Identifying if multiple answers are possible.
- Looking for opposites in answer choices.
- Applying ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to prioritize answers.
- Rephrasing questions to better understand what is asked.
- Resources and Support
- Archer Review offers:
- Study packages combining Practice Questions, on-demand videos, and live sessions.
- Small group tutoring ($25/hr) and private tutoring ($70-$75/hr with discounts).
- Free webinars multiple times a week.
- Encouragement to reach out for personalized support throughout the nursing journey.
- Archer Review offers:
Detailed Methodology / Instructions for Studying
- Identify Your Learning Style:
- Take online quizzes or self-assess to find if you’re visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
- Adapt study methods to fit your style.
- Evaluate Your Current Study Habits:
- Reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t.
- Rank your habits and be open to change.
- Implement Active Study Techniques:
- Use Practice Questions frequently.
- Make and review Flashcards, grouping similar content.
- Teach material to others or yourself aloud.
- Create concept maps (e.g., Venn diagrams) to visualize similarities/differences.
- Take organized, color-coded notes.
- Listen to lectures or podcasts during routine activities.
- Keep a “knowledge gap” notebook to track unclear topics.
- Focus on Understanding Over Memorization:
- Review rationales for Practice Questions thoroughly.
- Apply concepts to different scenarios.
- Use mnemonic devices or songs to aid retention.
- Approach NCLEX Questions Strategically:
- Determine if the question requires one or multiple answers.
- Look for answer opposites to eliminate incorrect choices.
- Prioritize answers based on patient safety (ABCs).
- Rephrase questions to clarify what is being asked.
- Use Available Resources:
- Follow a structured study plan (recommended 12-week plan for repeat takers).
- Participate in live webinars and on-demand video sessions.
- Consider small group or private tutoring for targeted help.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Jennifer Bonner — Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Educator
Category
Educational
