How do you study, and are you getting the results you want?

Midwest Mark · Sep 9, 2012

I will casually read a chapter ahead in all my classes so I'm a bit familiar with the material. Then during lecture, I will NOT take notes. I will sit there and give the instructor my full attention. After that, I will complete any assignments that are handed out or assigned in the book. I will then take notes based on my homework and any PowerPoint slides that my instructors post online. These PowerPoints are the same ones used during lecture. If there is an exam coming up, I will re-read the chapter a second time and watch some YouTube videos that cover the same topic.

By doing it this way, I find that I cover my material multiple times in many different ways. This helps the material "stick" in my mind more since I can draw my knowledge from multiple sources. It may sound like its a lot of work, but in reality, it doesn't take as long as one would think. In all, I would estimate a few hours of study per class spread across the entire week. This includes watching any videos I find. I currently have 8 classes this semester and am a straight A student.

ShineyNickelRN · Sep 9, 2012

Well, the way I study is first I figure out how many hours I want to study. My school recommends 3 hours of study for every 1 hour of lecture. I am in classes for 10 hours a week so I study at least 30 hours. That is at least the minimum amount of hours but I like to think of it that way so I can break it down through out the week when scheduling my days.

I don't read the chapters before I go to class because it is alot of time wasted for me. My instructor already gives us pre-made notes she puts up on our school website and power points. So I print out both before the lecture and follow along with the notes and power points during lecture and take additional notes if needed. I then go home and crack the book. I actually don't read all the chapters either. My instructors give us a list of objectives to know and those topics in the objectives are what I read in the book. We also have online lectures that I can go listen too.

I also stay organized. I have a binder for each class and I keep them well organized with my syllabus in front. Then I have the class objectives for each test and the notes and powerpoints divided out in the binder. I have a calendar with all the test dates for all my courses written down. I also schedule out which chapters I want to go over each day.

I also go everything multiple times. I try to get the reading done in my book quick so I can use the remaining study time just re-reviewing notes, the sections I highlight in the book, and re-listen to the lectures. All of this so far is earning me a B+ in my classes.

rubato, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

I'm trying an experiment that I don't really recommend to anyone.

I'm printing off the powerpoints for the lectures, and taking notes. BUT....I'm not reading my book. Blasphemous, I know. But, I just don't learn anything that way. I then study for about 8 hours before the test going over my in class notes and the powerpoints.

I had to have a 4.0 before I started NS. Now, I'm very happy with my first test score which was a high B. Fine with me. I'm less worried about getting great grades and more concerned with retaining the information and being able to use it. I also didn't make one flash card but everyone else in my class did.

The key is to figure out how you learn, and tailor a study plan for yourself. Just because it works for others doesn't mean it will work for you.

gatoraims RN · Sep 9, 2012

I review the chapter before class. Not so much read it but I like to know what we are going to be going over that day. I print out the powerpoints.

During lecture I take out my book and power points. While the instructor is lecturing I focus mostly on what she is saying. IF she repeats something, says a page number, or says "this is importnant" I write that down on my power points. Then I use a post it and tag that page,chart, or area and note that it is improtant, in my book.

I go home break out my book, powerpoints, and read the entire chapter. My next step is to then start back over and make "mind maps" on specific topics. For example COPD I would in the center of the paper write what it is and and the book defintion. Then I have an area for etiology, s/s, nursing intervetnions, labs (if applicatble), whatever I find interresting. I use these mind maps when it is time to study. I do not break the book out again prior to the test unless I want to varify something. (I tend to answer objective questions in setting up my mind map)

I also answer end of chapter questions, study guide, and break out my NCLEX book to answer some NCLEX style questions. I did this over the summer and ended up making A's and high B's on all my tests with an overall A in both NS classes.

It seems like a ton of work but it is not really. I break it up over days. I think over allI study for 20-30 hrs a week.

ChrisMarie09 · Sep 10, 2012

So far I've been reading/skimming the chapters before class and going over the power point beforehand and clarifying anything on it with the book.

I print out the slides 6/page because I know that if I have it on a computer screen I will not pay attention to it or the professor. Some people can.

During lecture I use a BLUE pen to write notes on the print-outs. I write down expansions, important points, mentioned figures & charts, etc and note page numbers and tab those in the book for quick referencing.

I also have Saunders NCLEX Comprehensive Review so I identify the chapters in there that correspond with what we are covering in classes and review by reading them and doing the practice questions. I don't mark answers so I can go back and retest myself.

Most, if not all of my books have an online site that contains NCLEX-style questions and study tools. So I've explored that and will likely use them when it come time to study.

I am not a big flashcard person nor do I sit and take notes while I'm reading. That to me wastes time. I did that with my basic biology class my first year of college and stopped 2 weeks in because it was taking 4 hours to read a chapter. For vocab/abbreviations/values I will type them up and print that out. That works better than flashcards for me.

How any of this works for me in nursing school I don't know but I will find out in 1 1/2 weeks when I have my first quiz. For prereqs I NEVER read, just skimmed and showed up to class, took good notes and crammed for my tests. That got me a 3.8 gpa. That is most definitely not how I'm approaching nursing school. Right now I'm spending about 1-2 hours per day which I expect to increase once quizzes and tests start coming.