Studied constantly, still got a D on first test.

himilayaneyes · Mar 7, 2014

From what you said, you have severe test anxiety. These are definitely issues that need to be tackled....therapy...and Xanax if needed. It also sounds like you're overstudying. Take frequent breaks in between studying and take a deep breath. Good luck.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2014

Good day:

"I never understood the can't-record-lectures doctrine some professors like to impose."

At the college I'm attending, almost all professors allow students to record; I've only heard of one that doesn't allow recording, and I've never taken her as a professor (nor would given that restriction).

While I would have to do the research (as no supporting evidence as been posted in this thread or others that come close to it), is there is a complete difference between an instructor policy, a school policy, civil law, and criminal law. Typical, "legal" and "illegal" are terms used to describe the latter two -- civil and criminal law, but not the former two.

In any event, I would hope that if a student asked in private sharing the recording would only be used for personal study purposes (not published or shared), that a professor would be open to saying yes.

Thank you.

pinkiepinkPN · Mar 8, 2014

So what I did before school semester start was to read ahead of my physiology class. I've studied every single day and read ahead for my next upcoming physio lectures. I got a D on my first exam. I was so upset with myself because I'm ALWAYS at the tutoring center studying. I'm literally there from 10am - 6pm and yet I did not even receive the A I wanted. Everyone knows I'm studying. So I don't know what happened...? I didn't focused so much on 1 chapter, but I studied the most important ones. I also have severe test anxiety. I was so worked up that I was nearly in tears as I took the test. I know all the answers when I raise my hand in class. So what am I doing wrong? She doesnt allow me to record her lectures. I rewrite all her notes and do youtubes videos but still. Anyone have some advice? I have a micro exam already on Tuesday and I'm afraid it'll be deja vu all over again.[/quote']
The thing about first exams in any class is that you never know what to expect. Now that you've taken the first exam you can get some sense if where in your textbook or other materials the questions came from. I think you're studying too much. I really think a lot of students don't do the most important thing when their grades suffer: go talk to the instructor! They can't help you if you don approach them. He or she will be more than happy to clue you in to the best way to approach studying.
Have you asked why the instructor will not let you record lectures? One of my instructors said we could not unless we signed a waiver stating that we would not reproduce/sell/ post online any of it or "use it against" her, whatever that means. Ask if you could sign a similar agreement. I recorded EVERY lecture which I feel was my most valuable study tool.
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Myoclonicjerk · Mar 8, 2014

I'm not a fan of the no recording lecture policy either. I am in an AP class now that the Instructor put in big bold letters in our syllabus that it's a felony to audiotape his classes. It's not school policy, it's his policy. He stated that it's against the law to tape anyone without their permission and he will not authorize it. However, he is the nicest guy and I would bet if a struggling student asked, he would let them. He would definitely give advice on how to study and what to focus on.

I honestly don't think that the issue is recording. It's the anxiety about the tests. The recording is just one more thing to get worked up over. I know a girl just like you in AP. She gets an A in all her classes but has MAJOR anxiety to the point that she shakes and practically hyperventilates before exams. However, she does well. Where she does not do well is in lab practicals since it's timed and during the TEAS she did not finish any of the 4 sections as she totally freaked out and lost track of time. Like her, I believe anxiety is the issue, not the recording. There are strategies to reduce anxiety, counselors, medication, alternate test taking methods if it's clinically diagnosed. Definitely seek out a process that will work for you or the cycle will only perpetuate into nursing school and the real world. Anxiety over a test in AP pales in comparison to that of taking the NCLEX. You have to get that in check. Prayers are with you. Good Luck.

Qwinbee · Mar 8, 2014

I'm a visual and auditory learning. I would watch videos. As I read the ch I would also be listening to the recorder. I woluld then reread my notes as the recorder played the,.

I'm wondering how you can process the material if you are reading while listening to the lectures. When it comes to studying for a science class, it's not like reading the chapter one time as if you are reading for sociology or psychology, Physiology demands that you digest the material so that you can apply it. you may have to read the chapters one paragraph at a time until you process the material and take your own notes.

also you should focus on what is in your control, if you can't record her lectures, pay close attention in class when she is lecturing, it is not the time to get lost reading the book, focus on what she is saying and try to jot down important points.

before exam, get a good night sleep and try to do some yoga, or meditate, or listening to some classical music, or pray, whatever will relax you so you don't stress yourself out. This class may be your hardest class and some professors are just tougher that others, if you try your best in the second exam and its a C or less , then I suggest you drop the class and get it with another professor if you can.

funsizedprenurse · Mar 30, 2014

When I use the book, I reread a paragraph. Then I would listen to my lecture and understand what my professor is trying to study. I've learned a lot better listening to the lecture as I read. It's hard to explain, but that's how I was able to learn and got As in most of my classes. I've never had a C and my overall gpa is at a 3.6 Would having a B in physiology affect the admission to a nursing school?

cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

[COLOR=#003366]funsizedprenurse

In everything I have read I have not heard anyone or you mention that you study to the objectives. I had a student not to long ago telling me the same thing and she did not seem to get what she needed from her instructor, she was studying everything to the point that she could not see the tree through the forest. Take your notes and your reading and downsize them to match your objectives. When you are finished studying you should be able to answer the objectives and if you can you will do well on the exams. Match your syllabus to the objectives.

I have noticed that many students forget that paragraph that states the learning objectives and just try to read the whole book and memorize it all. you will not be able to move your knowledge from short term memory to long term this way. Repetition is they only way.

If you do not have a guide to repeat the same things over and over you will miss the points.

Focus on your objectives and see if this helps you, use them as your map.

Hang them up beside you to look at when you are studying so you have something to refer too.