Turning Learning Objectives into Study Strategies
Using learning objectives as a guide for your study organization and strategy can be a game-changer for mastering course material and improving your exam scores. By aligning your efforts with the key goals set by your instructor, you can prioritize what truly matters, focus your attention on core concepts, and streamline your study sessions.
Learning objectives help you break down complex topics into manageable tasks, giving you a clearer roadmap to success. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to leverage learning objectives to optimize your study approach and boost your academic performance.
Step 1: Identify and Understand the Learning Objectives
What to do: Carefully review the learning objectives for each module. These are typically stated at the beginning of a course or a module outline.
Why this is important: The objectives highlight the key knowledge and skills you are expected to gain, so they serve as a framework for what to focus on during studying.
Step 2: Break Down Each Learning Objective
What to do: Divide each learning objective into specific components. Identify the core concepts, processes, or skills involved.
Example: If the objective is "Understand the role of advanced nursing practice in healthcare systems," break it into:
What are the roles of advanced practice nurses (APNs)?
How do APNs influence healthcare systems?
What are specific examples of APNs in different healthcare settings?
Step 3: Translate Components into Questions
What to do: Turn each component into a question. Use open-ended formats that encourage deep understanding, as well as specific formats that require detailed answers.
Types of Questions:
Comprehension: What is the definition of [concept]?
Application: How is [concept] applied in clinical practice?
Critical Thinking: What are the advantages and disadvantages of [approach]?
Example Questions:
What is the role of APNs in improving patient outcomes?
How do APNs' responsibilities differ across healthcare settings?
In what ways can APNs influence healthcare policy?
Step 4: Research and Study to Answer the Questions
What to do: Use textbooks, research articles, lecture notes, and other resources to find answers to the questions you've created.
Why this works: This approach transforms passive reading into active engagement with the material, helping you to focus on key areas and improve retention.
Step 5: Evaluate and Reflect on Your Answers
What to do: After answering the questions, reflect on whether your responses align with the learning objectives and course material.
How: Compare your answers with the key points discussed in lectures, recommended readings, and other course resources. Use this process to identify gaps in your understanding.
Example: After answering "How can APNs influence healthcare policy?" evaluate if you’ve included legislative processes, advocacy, and practical examples.
Step 6: Rephrase Questions to Test Yourself
What to do: Rephrase some of the questions in different formats (e.g., case-based, clinical scenarios, or multiple-choice) to test your understanding from various angles.
Example: Transform "What is the role of APNs in healthcare?" into "Describe how an APN could improve care for a patient with chronic illness in a rural healthcare setting."
Step 7: Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
What to do: Actively recall the answers to your questions without looking at your notes and revisit the questions over time using spaced repetition techniques.
Why it helps: This enhances long-term retention and ensures you deeply understand and can apply the material, not just memorize it.
Step 8: Engage in Peer Discussions or Mentorship
What to do: Discuss your questions and answers with peers, mentors, or instructors. Peer review can expose you to new perspectives or clarify areas where your understanding might still be incomplete.
Example: In a study group, pose questions like "In what situations do APNs have the most impact on healthcare policy?"
By translating learning objectives into questions and actively engaging with the material in this way, you can create a structured, goal-driven approach to studying that mirrors real-world critical thinking and application!
