Tips for Success in your NSO Courses
You might be working on your own, but you aren't working alone
Use these tips to help you set up a plan for success in your NSO courses. And always remember that we are here to help support you if you get stuck!
Get Set Up to Learn
Make a Plan:
It's important to set yourself up for success from the start by establishing weekly goals and a consistent work routine. Set aside specific time each week for your coursework, and use reminders or a calendar to stay organized. Prioritize your tasks and assess how much time they will take to complete. This approach ensures you manage your time effectively and stay on pace to complete your course by your end date.
Establish Your Study Environment:
Designate study spaces for your coursework each week. Choose locations where you can maximize productivity and minimize distractions. Consider when and where you feel most focused and effective in your work.
Practice Good Study Habits
Work in Order:
Aim to work through units and submit your assignments in the order they're given throughout your course. Assignments may build off one another, so it can become challenging if you skip around too much. You’ll also find that the concepts you learn in earlier units are important for understanding other topics later on.
Log in Regularly and Submit work:
Make it a priority to log in to your courses regularly and submit assignments each school week. This ensures active engagement with the course material and steady progress towards completing your course by the end date. Consistent engagement not only promotes better understanding of course content but also supports your overall success in the course. At NSO, attendance is tracked based on assignment submission so submitting work each week keeps your attendance updated as well!
Review and Apply Feedback:
Take time to review the feedback provided by your course teacher on each assignment or assessment you submit. This feedback offers valuable information that can help you improve your future assignments and deepen your understanding of the course material. You can access this feedback directly on the assignment page after it's been graded by your teacher.
Monitor your Progress:
Make sure to regularly check your grades and pacing in your NSO Student Account. Keep track of how you're progressing in your courses and take proactive steps to address any areas where improvement is needed. By staying updated on your grades and following the suggested pacing, you can avoid falling behind and maintain steady progress toward earning credit for your course.
Keep in Communication
Stay Informed:
Make it a daily habit to check your email and read Northern Star Online (NSO) emails. This is one of the main ways we share important information about your course and progress. Additionally, your teachers may send out helpful course details through email.
Reach Out Right Away:
Be proactive and contact your teacher immediately if you're feeling stuck. Whether you're struggling with an assignment or having trouble understanding a concept, reaching out for help is the best move. Your teacher is there to support your learning journey, and they will usually get back to you quickly, but within 1-2 school days at most. You can find their contact information listed on your course homepage.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties or aren’t sure who to contact with a question, you can always contact us and we will be there to help.