Top Resources for Academic Success for All Learning Styles

Today’s colleges and universities are designed to meet the needs of every kind of learner, whether you’re a visual or auditory learner, juggling a full-time job, attending classes online, or pursuing your degree part-time. With flexible learning environments and a growing focus on student support, institutions now offer a wide range of tools and resources to help students thrive academically, no matter their background, schedule, or learning style. From personalized tutoring and tech-based solutions to time management tools and accessible academic coaching, this guide explores the top resources available to support student success across all modalities.

Why Academic Support Services Matter More Than Ever

According to New America's 2024 Varying Degrees survey, 85 percent of Americans believe students need academic support to maximize their success in higher education. Let’s break this down even further and explore why students rely so heavily on academic support services in their collegiate careers:

Success Isn't Just About Intelligence — It's About Support

Most people associate academic success with a student's intellectual aptitude, assuming the smarter a student is, the more successful they will be. While intelligence certainly helps, it isn't the only factor contributing to academic success. Pursuing a degree is a complex and challenging endeavor that requires sustained commitment, hard work, dedication, organization, and time management skills.

Students thrive when they have access to a variety of different types of support designed to strengthen their quality of instruction and learning environment, such as:

Academic coaching and resources
One-on-one mentoring and tutoring
Career guidance
Physical health services
Mental health services

How the Right Tools Can Build Confidence and Momentum

Whether a student struggles with writing, has weak spots in mathematics, speaks English as a second language, or encounters personal problems that impact mental wellness or physical health, the difficulties students experience during their education act like roadblocks that slow their momentum and hamper their confidence. Without the proper support, challenges can cause students to feel discouraged or like they won't be able to complete the coursework necessary for graduation.

Student support services are designed to help students overcome feelings of self-doubt by filling in the blanks and giving them the tools to overcome the challenges they encounter. Support services provide personalized assistance and create an environment conducive to learning, helping students develop and strengthen their academic, professional, interpersonal, and life skills.

Matching Resources to Learning Styles: Tools That Support How You Learn Best

Every student learns differently, and colleges today are increasingly equipped to support that. Understanding your personal learning style can help you make the most of the resources available to you. Below are some common learning styles and the tools that can enhance academic success for each:

Visual Learners (prefer images, charts, and diagrams)
Try: Infographic-rich study guides, video tutorials, slide decks, and color-coded notes using digital apps like Notion or OneNote.
Auditory Learners (learn best through listening)
Try: Recorded lectures, podcasts, group discussions, and text-to-speech tools available through campus accessibility services.
Reading/Writing Learners (retain information through words)
Try: Traditional textbooks, writing-based study methods like summaries or flashcards, and research databases for in-depth reading.
Kinesthetic Learners (learn by doing and engaging physically)
Try: Hands-on labs, interactive simulations, role-playing exercises in study groups, and using movement-friendly study techniques like walking while reviewing notes.
Logical/Mathematical Learners (prefer structured, analytical thinking)
Try: Problem-solving workshops, coding exercises, flowcharts, and academic support centers with a focus on quantitative reasoning.
Social Learners (thrive in group settings)
Try: Study groups, peer tutoring, discussion boards in online classes, and collaborative projects through the school’s learning management system.
Solitary Learners (learn best independently)
Try: Self-paced online modules, quiet study spaces, personalized coaching sessions, and productivity apps to stay organized.

Recognizing your preferred learning style — or mix of styles — can make it easier to choose the right tools and support services to stay motivated, engaged, and on track.

Tutoring and Peer Learning Programs That Make a Difference

At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) and in the wider world of academic resources, students can leverage a variety of organized tutoring and peer-learning opportunities. These kinds of services provide personalized help offered individually or in group settings, designed to support both academic and social development.

One-on-One Tutoring for Core Subjects and Study Skills

If you find you need a little extra help in a particular subject for any reason, investing in one-on-one tutoring can really give you a leg up, helping you catch up and conquer your current materials quickly. There are several resources online for one-on-one tutoring, such as Tutor Doctor and tutor.com. Just be sure you look for qualified tutors to provide university-level assistance.

At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), students don’t have to search far for this kind of help — free tutoring is available right on campus and online across a variety of core subjects. These services are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re catching up, staying on pace, or aiming to excel. Unlike many other schools, NMC offers this support at no additional cost, ensuring all students have equal access to the tools they need for success.

Supplemental Instruction and Study Groups Led by Peers

Students can access several online peer-led study groups, as well. A simple search will turn up thousands of results, and you can further refine your search by topic and course material. Some good starting points include:

StudyStream - Create a study room and work virtually with your peers.
Study Together - Chat on an enormous Discord server of organized study groups.

Beyond the classroom, NMC encourages study groups and offers supplemental instruction and peer support as a way to build community and accountability. If you prefer virtual options, online tools like StudyStream or Study Together can complement your in-person NMC sessions, giving you multiple ways to connect and learn.

Drop-in Learning Centers for Flexible, Ongoing Help

Many communities offer adult learning centers that provide classes designed to support academic success in a variety of topics. Do a quick search online to find out if there is an adult learning center in your community and whether it offers any classes that you can leverage to prepare for your upcoming classes.

Unlike general community centers, NMC’s academic services are tailored specifically for healthcare students. That means every session is designed with your coursework and future career in mind. From coaching in study skills to ongoing academic advising, you’ll find resources that directly align with your degree path.

Writing and Communication Support for All Majors

Verbal and written communication skills are vital to academic success in school, as well as success in the professional world. A variety of resources can help students hone and strengthen their communication skills, regardless of their major field of study.

Writing Centers That Help You Refine and Structure Your Work

Solid writing skills are vital to completing your college-level coursework. You can brush up on grammar and writing techniques with limitless free online resources, such as Writers Write or OpenLearn. Students can also access paid one-on-one writing coaching online, but NMC offers these kinds of resources and support for free to students.

Through NMC’s academic services, you can access writing assistance, feedback on assignments, and resources designed to strengthen your skills in grammar, structure, and academic style. These services not only help you refine individual papers but also build confidence and lasting writing strategies you’ll carry into your career.

Presentation and Public Speaking Coaching

Public speaking is an important skill to have in school and in your professional and personal life. You can exercise your skills with apps designed to coach public speaking, such as:

To work on your public speaking skills in a real public setting, see if there is a local Toastmasters Club near you. Toastmasters International exists for the sole purpose of helping people become better public speakers with a group of kind individuals all working to improve the same skills.

Support for Non-Native English Speakers and ESL Learners

The Open Education Database has an extensive directory of resources for ESL learners. This is an excellent place to find support with usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, writing, and more.

Time Management and Academic Coaching

Successfully attending and completing higher education requires more than book smarts. Students also need a variety of soft skills that allow them to organize their lives and prioritize their schedules to complete their coursework and meet academic requirements.

Meeting With Academic Success Coaches for Personalized Strategies

Academic success coaching is one-on-one advising for students designed to help them access resources and develop personalized strategies for setting goals, optimizing time management, balancing their schedules, and achieving academic success.

Creating Weekly Schedules That Balance Study, Work, and Life

Your calendar and schedule should be viewable from different levels of resolution, so that you can assess this afternoon, tomorrow, this week, or the whole month at a glance. This will help you keep the different aspects of your life balanced so that you can spread yourself between work, school, and your personal life equally to keep up and be the best version of yourself. So, keep an eye on long-term goals, medium-term goals, and short-term deadlines to prioritize your list of to-dos and ensure you're paying attention to the right tasks at the right time.

Setting SMART Goals and Tracking Progress Throughout the Term

When you're working hard toward a big goal, it can be easy to lose track of what's motivating you. Keep your eye on the prize by creating an old-fashioned vision board that you'll see every day. If you're more inclined to tech than you are to scissors and glue, you can use an app like Canva, ClickUp, or Perfectly Happy.

Technology That Keeps Students Organized and Connected

Successful students learn how to leverage tools designed to support their academic success. We work to provide students with a variety of tools for technology-enriched learning while supporting their proficiency with technology through the Center for Research, Education, and Teaching Excellence (CREATE!). Students can also find countless apps, programs, and resources online or through the app store for organization, time management, collaboration, and communication.

Learning Management Systems (LMS), Like Canvas,Blackboard, or BrightSpace

NMC faculty utilizes learning management systems, which host centralized platforms and tools designed to plan, deliver, manage, and track education programs. Tools like Canvas,Blackboard, and BrightSpace | D2L streamline the learning process while connecting students and faculty and engaging learning.

Calendar, Note-Taking, and Task Management Apps Students Love

Juggling classes, assignments, and deadlines can feel overwhelming, but the right apps make it easier to stay organized and on top of your work. At NMC, every student receives an iPad as part of our recognition as an Apple Distinguished School. This designation highlights our innovative use of technology to enhance learning. With this, students also gain access to Notability, a powerful note-taking app that allows them to seamlessly organize class notes, annotate PDFs, and keep all their course materials in one place.

In addition to Notability, many students also find these apps helpful:

My Study Life - A dedicated student planner designed to organize assignments, manage timetables, and keep track of exams.
Todoist - Create electronic checklists that fully integrate with your calendar.
Notion - Keep everything organized and scheduled with customizable planning.

Explore how NMC supports student success with academic technology and services.

Study Tools Like Quizlet, Grammarly, and Citation Generators

Students benefit from leveraging tech-driven study tools like Quizlet and Picmonic.

Students can also use apps that support their schoolwork, such as Grammarly and the Hemingway Editor, which provide automated proofreading and writing suggestions designed to help them learn to become better writers.

Additionally, students can make short work of their bibliographies with citation generators like Citation Machine, Scribbr, or MyBib. Simply, drop in your source details and click a button to generate a properly formatted citation (according to any style manual's guidelines).

Library and Research Services That Go Beyond Books

We encourage online students to access their local public libraries, which offer a wealth of free resources, expert research assistance, and tools designed to accommodate individuals attending college online.

On-Demand Help From Research Librarians

Librarians don't just know about books; they receive extensive training in research, and your local librarian can connect you with a variety of different resources so that you don't have to spend so much time researching what materials to use for your courses. If you can't make it to your local library, you can always try asking a librarian at the Library of Congress.

Access to Scholarly Databases, Journals, and Digital Archives

Research for school usually requires that students use academic sources, and this can be difficult when many scholarly journals are trapped behind paywalls. Performing your search using Google Scholar, however, can provide you with access to several articles that should be acceptable as resources for your coursework.

Workshops on Research Skills, Citation, and Avoiding Plagiarism

JSTOR (the academic library) offers a comprehensive guide on research designed to help students learn effective techniques and proper citation practices to avoid plagiarism.

Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Academic Focus

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs defines the needs that must be met before other needs, wants, and desires can be obtained. At the bottom of this pyramid, you'll find physiological and safety needs (like food, water, shelter, health, and resources) below emotional needs (like friendship, connection, and self-esteem). These needs must be met before an individual can focus on the top need, self-actualization, where they focus on developing into the best possible, most accomplished, and fulfilled version of themselves they can be.

So, to focus on academics and careers, students need to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Counseling Services to Manage Stress and Burnout

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes constant, it can take a toll on your health, focus, and overall well-being. That’s why NMC offers dedicated, confidential support through its counseling services. Students have access to free, 24/7 counseling through Uwill, which connects you with licensed professionals any time you need them. Regardless of what you’re dealing with – be it academic pressure, personal challenges, or simply needing someone to talk to – these services are designed to help you develop healthy coping tools and manage stress effectively.

In addition to NMC’s resources, students can also explore broader national directories such as FindTreatment.gov from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or GoodTherapy.org to locate licensed providers by state.

Mindfulness Apps and Campus Wellness Workshops

Mindfulness meditation offers several science-backed benefits that can be particularly powerful for students, such as reducing stress, improving sleep quality, reducing feelings of depression, strengthening memory, and increasing focus and concentration. Several websites, YouTube videos, and apps can help you develop a mindfulness practice in your spare time to strengthen your brain, heal your mind-body connection, and fortify yourself for your studies.

Support for Sleep, Nutrition, and Healthy Study Habits

A healthy body supports a stress-free spirit and focused mind. You can strive to keep your body healthier by maintaining sleep and nutrition while practicing healthy study habits (i.e., taking breaks to move around and prioritizing breaks for sleep and meal times).

Getting enough good, high-quality sleep will help your entire body function better. Support better sleep by:

Practicing good sleep hygiene
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Creating a restful environment
Exercising regularly

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet will also help you sleep better and provide your body with the nutrition and energy it needs to keep you energized and functioning properly. To help ensure students never have to choose between school and a healthy meal, NMC provides a Campus Food Pantry. This free resource is available to all students and offers non-perishable items and other essentials to support both academic and personal well-being.

Final Boost: Success Starts With Knowing Where to Get Help

The internet, local libraries, local healthcare services, and NMC offer a wealth of resources and tools designed specifically to support students and maximize academic success. These services, however, aren't very useful if students don't know how or where to access them.

Your Campus (or Online Program) Is Packed With Tools — Use Them

Many colleges and universities offer a wide array of support services and tools for both on-campus and online students. Take advantage of these resources to enhance your academic journey by exploring what your institution provides. If you're unsure where to start, reaching out to an academic advisor can offer personalized guidance and recommendations for available services.

Learn More About the Available Resources at NMC and How We Can Help You Achieve Academic Success

Whether you're a first-time freshman or continuing your education in a graduate program, NMC has academic resources and support services designed to serve you, enhance your educational experience, and optimize your journey to academic success. To learn more about the services available as an NMC student, be sure to reach out to your academic advisor. If you're ready to take the next step on your journey to academic and professional success, we invite you to apply to NMC today.

Sources

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