Helpful Tips for the ACHS Student
Want to stay organized?
Use the Course Checklist available when you click the Course Checklist link at the bottom right of your Course Home page. Check off discussions and modules as you complete them and stay on schedule.
Want a bigger screen view?
You can hide the left-hand course navigation tree to obtain a wider screen area to view course content. Simply click the arrow to the left of the course title in the top left of the page. To get the course navigation tree back on your screen, just click on the arrow again. Try it now -- Click on the arrow. (Note: this feature is not available on Macintosh computers.)
Want larger fonts?
Simply hold down the control or command key and hit the plus (+) sign.
Want to check your grades?
Click on Gradebook in the course toolbar at the top of the page. Click on individual grades to see comments that the instructor may have posted for you or to review exam questions.
Having trouble with time management?
Set time goals (i.e., work from 7-8 p.m., or whatever block of time is feasible) rather than watching television or doing laundry (both can wait in most cases). Then, if you are able to work until 8:30 p.m., you will have exceeded your goal for the day, thereby feeling motivated for the next day's session. Once you have established your goals, be sure to tell your family members and friends so they will (a) understand your plans and (b) provide inspiration when necessary.
Establish a completion point for each assessment within each week. Of course, there are going to be events and circumstances that may impact your goals, but setting goals helps to keep you focused on doing the work as diligently as possible. The advantage of distance learning is the flexibility, and the chance to participate in an educational experience generally unavailable in your hometown. However, it is important to make study commitments as seriously as if you were attending classes right around the corner. And remember, you need to let your instructor and academic advisor know if you are experiencing any challenges so we can help you!
Having memory issues?
Some students find it helpful to write out assignments in longhand and then type them on the computer or typewriter. This not only gives you the opportunity to edit and refine your answers as you are inputting, it provides a double-dose of the information you have just learned.
If a family member or friend is diagnosed with a particular condition, involve yourself in a research project to provide them with a written report of every possible option in your area of study. Make it comprehensive and offer follow-up if they need it, but also be sure to explain your student status and that the information is offered as additional knowledge for them to discuss with their physician (who is, hopefully, attuned to alternative approaches).
Talk about your course work, ACHS, and your long-range plans in natural healing with everyone who will listen. It sets this exciting adventure firmly in place as part of you and your life. In addition, you will be pleasantly surprised at the feedback you receive and the kindred souls you will meet. This is just one of the added bonuses of taking the course.
Need support?
Take full advantage of your instructor's knowledge, the student discussion list, and ACHS online services/resources. Use all the great resources available through ACHS. Everyone at the College is accessible, friendly, caring, generous with their time, dedicated to the philosophies of natural and alternative treatments and therapies, and excited about sharing their knowledge!
Tips From Those Who Have Walked in Your Shoes!
We asked a few of our graduates to let us in on a few study hints they would have found helpful as they began their programs. We hope you will find these tips helpful on your road to the successful completion of your program!
"Stay dedicated. I make a study plan in my head each week and stick with it. I set aside so many hours a day for reading and studying, and do my best to not to have to do any school work on the weekends. My house doesn't clean itself LOL, and everyone needs a few days off to just enjoy life."
"Take one assignment at a time. Don't stress about how many more assignments you have left or the final exam. If you do that, you will be wasting time and energy you could be using towards your current module or assignment. Enjoy the learning experience and if you find yourself struggling, you can find support from your fellow students and instructor. I receive a HUGE amount of support from my family."
"Do something every day that will help you move forward in your studies even if it's no more than reviewing the reading material."
"Cut the reading up into chunks. Instead of trying to read it all at once, read a little each day. If you have the time and want to read it all in one sitting that's fine, but I find cutting it up into bite sizes makes it easier to digest."
Enjoy Your Studies!
And, remember that we are here to assist you throughout each course and your overall program. Don't hesitate to call us at (800) 487-8839 if you need assistance and are not sure who to ask.
