Study Strategy Tools

Although there are many study strategies that students can explore, little research can be found on strategies specific to supporting Indigenous students with consideration of the impacts of colonization and historical trauma that impede their learning journey. Much like Indigenous students, we must also learn from experience and allow ourselves to engage in methods that support both an academic approach and Indigenous ways of knowing.

There is research on study strategies specific to Indigenous students being finalized by Dr. Marnie Kramer who identifies three strategies that are effective for Indigenous student success:

- Textbook reading strategies
- Concept map creation
- Stepped note-taking

As Dr. Kramer has been a guest lecturer in NURS1500: Preparation for Professional Nursing Education, I have chosen to highlight her work, learn from, and analyze these tools to examine which methods would best support Indigenous learner success.

(Kramer, 2023)

(Learning Essentials, n.d.)

Textbook Reading - SQ4R

The challenge with textbook reading is in the understanding of the content read.
The SQ4R method is a process for reading that asks one to survey, question, read, record, recite or retrieve and review.
Within the SQ4R process, the step of reciting was most beneficial as they were able to demonstrate understanding of the material through their own words.

(Martin, 2020)

Concept Mapping

Research indicates that students have difficulty making the connection between theory and clinical nursing practice.
Concept mapping is a cognitive tool that helps learners understand information in an in-depth manner.
Although data is limited, a positive correlation between using concept mapping with student learning success Is evident.
The use of concept maps in understanding nursing knowledge feeds into the cognitive process of learning.
As many Indigenous students are visual learners, the use of concept maps to understand complex nursing content Is a favored approach.
There is effectiveness in the use of concept mapping to help students develop critical thinking skills that can be used as a means of preparing for their clinical practice environment.
Nursing literature validates the use of concept mapping in various environments, including classrooms, skills labs, curriculum development, clinical practice, and research.

(Conceição & Taylor, 2007; Daley, 1996; Kaddoura et al., 2016; Kramer, 2023; Wheeler & Collins, 2003)

Example of a Nursing Concept Map

nursing-concept-map.png

Stepped Note Taking

Stepped note-taking Is a metacognitive approach to studying that focuses on three stages of note-taking.
1. First, the student would use a BLACK pen to recall all of the information about the topic they are studying.
2. Next, the students would use a BLUE pen to review the material provided and add any content they missed.
3. Finally, the students would go into the readings and use a RED pen to add any pertinent information as they review the readings.
Stepped note-taking offers a structured approach for students to break down the levels of what they are learning, while also using recall to test their knowledge.

(Kramer, 2023)

Study Strategy Analysis

Study Strategies have a need to be individualized based on student backgrounds and learning needs.
The SQ4R process is a logically well researched process that supports a strategic approach to reading which is a demonstrated challenge for learners in synthesizing and applying information.
Much like the SQ4R process, the Stepped Note Taking approach focuses on a systematic approach which allows the learner to break down the information to better understand the material.
Concept Mapping is well researched as a constructivist approach to learning.
Many Indigenous students are visual learners so having the concepts linked on a chart that they can read and review daily serves as a study strategy that is favored by nursing students.
Stepped note taking can be intimidating for students to begin with as it asks them to recall current knowledge prior to diving into the material. Once they get used to the process, this begins to make sense for Indigenous students as a scaffolded approach to their knowledge acquisition.
Utilizing all methods as a part of their overall learning plan shows to decrease student anxiety and overwhelm, resulting in greater academic success.

(PINE, 2024)

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