1. Student Success Skills Changes, Choices and Challenges February 28, 2004 Dr. Mary Moss

2. Outline of Presentation Introductions Time Management Study Skills Reading and Memory Test Taking Skills Quick Tips to be a successful student Preparing for NCLEX- RN

3. Time Management 168 hours in a week Each person, rich or poor, has exactly the same number of hours in a week. 168 hours in a week

4. It’s your time… It’s your choice!

5. It is not how fast you are going, but where you are heading Time Management It is not how fast you are going, but where you are heading Important and urgent Important but not urgent Urgent but not important Not urgent and not important

6. Time Management Approach time as if you are in control Calendar Know your time wasters Get organized Learn to say “No” Focus Perfection

7. Procrastination Get a calendar or a planner Make lists Chunk your work Set small goals and write them down Reward yourself

8. Study Skills There is so much to remember!

9. Reading Create a dialogue between you and the author Read with a pencil in your hand Read out loud –this is always helpful Notice the paragraphing in the text Skim and scan Learn to read charts and diagrams

10. Taking notes Observe, Record, Review Separate key ideas from Supporting evidence Leave extra space Label course number and name and instructor on all notes Use graphic signals Try Concept Mapping

11. How is your memory Mnemonics Simple, vivid, and meaningful Associative mnemonics Make a word Make a sentence Number mnemonics

12. Review Tools Flash Cards Post It Notes Color Coded Noted Read Aloud Predict Questions from your notes -Ask yourself – What could they ask for this topic?

13. TEACHERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS Remember this!

14. Plan a study schedule and stick to it! Don’t cram at the last minute – this increases anxiety and doesn’t lead to lasting results Set aside planned time for each assignment or test Get a study buddy! Someone that actually studies would be good

15. Test Taking Skills I just hate tests!!!! I just love tests!!!!

16. Preparing for a Test Invest the study time Don’t reinforce negative self talk Controlling your anxiety is all about managing your reviews Overlearn! Know the format of the test

17. Before a Test Get a full nights sleep Decrease caffeine Establish a Routine the day of a test Listen to relaxing music or turn the radio off Get there early Choose a comfortable spot

18. Before a test Allow for quiet time Deep Breathing, Muscle Relaxation Read or think of something funny

19. Personalities of Test Takers The Rusher The Turtle The Personalizer The Squisher The Philosopher The Second Guesser The Lawyer

20. Tips for Multiple Choice Tests Pay attention to the stem or the question You should spend no more than about a minute per multiple choice question Cover up the options Understand what destructors are Eliminate options ( 100%) Recheck the match between the stem and the option

21. During the Test Keep your physical and emotional anxiety in check

22. During the Test Scan the entire test – get familiar Read the directions slowly Mark on the test if you are able Highlight Key words – Always, 1 st priority Try to answer the question before looking at the options Concentrate on one question at a time No carry over! Don’t change your answers

23. Do you have Test Anxiety? Test anxiety is both mental and physical Racing heart, sweating, cannot think, blank out, or forgetting everything you studied Yell “STOP” Daydream, visualize Focus on one thing completely (Lamaze) Praise yourself Make the anxiety Absurd Tense and Relax

24. During the Test Answer all of the questions When in doubt pick the most complete answer Eliminate wrong answers Select answers within the realm of nursing Don’t waste too much time on any one question. Circle it and go back to it. Most test questions have 3 parts: The client or Situation The issue or question – What are they asking? The options or distracters

25. QUICK TIPS to be a Successful Student

26. QUICK TIPS Get control of your stressors Remember you are in control Don’t associate your self worth with an “A” Don’t skip class or review sessions

27. Empower Yourself I put in the time - I know the material - I can do well on this test Keep a positive attitude Visualize your success Set your goals and tell others about your goals

28. Preparing for NCLEX-RN Winner set goals Establish plans and Take control…..

29. Strategies for NCLEX Long term reviews – last minute cramming doesn’t work Review books or a review class Prepare yourself – your career is a big investment

30. Registered Nurse First I thought I could. Then I thought I couldn’t. I was right both times!