A&P- getting me down!!!

Micci · Oct 6, 2005

A&P is an overwhelming class, as I too am finding out. There is just a huge amount of information that needs to be memorized on top of the stuff that we need to learn about.

How I picture learning, is that we need to build up memories and then build onto the memories. So if we are learning something relatively foreign, we need to make initial connections regarding the material and then build onto that. Kind of like those plastic pop bead baby toys, where you connect another and another and another. For lecture, which is usuallly out of our chapter book. I try to do a preliminary read (not in depth- skim to see what you already know and mentally take note of what I don't. Try to get a quick feel for stuff that is foreign to me) Then I will type up the lecture handout along with my notes in a format that I like with lots of space for my own note taking. Then I print those new notes and use them as I go through the book. If I am just reading, things kind of pass me by, but if I have to stop and write stuff down, it makes me think about it. Then before the test, I take all the notes from the chapters we are being tested on and re-read them to refresh my memory. Then I go through the chap summaries at the end of the chapters to make more connections and take any chapter tests offered in the book. I go back over weak areas one more time in my notes. Also, anything that has to be rote memoriezed (like the organ systems), goes on note cards. In summary, the best thing to do is get a "feel" for the material, and then get more specific. Allow your brain to make initial connections about the material so that you have an anchor for the finer details and a foundation to build on future knowledge.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2005

Yes, you need to think positively!!!

(Remember the Little Engine Who Could?)

Ok, that may be a "childish" thing, but it fits anyone who needs to accomplish a difficult task.

Then, think to yourself, are you spending enough time studying? Have you determined how you learn best, and expand on that? Are you trying to just read in you mind, when you should be reading out loud to comprehend things better? Should you draw pictures, instead of just reading?

Use flashcards, online quizzes, study groups, etc. Use your school's tutoring center, if offered. Spend as much time as you can studying for this class. It takes lots of time!

If you haven't already been to my site, http://www.nursingjourney.com, then stop by there to see if anything will help you. If not, do a google or yahoo search for online anatomy quizzes, etc.

http://groups.msn.com/AnatomyPhysiologyTests is a MSN group. On there, there is a "quizzer" you can ask for. I liked that as a supplemental study quiz.

I outlined my notes, and added anything I felt was important that I read in the book, or found online about the topic. Then, I read my notes out loud while recording them, and made CD-Rs to listen to in my truck.

My daughter teased me about studying 24/7, but I made an A in return.

Good luck!!!!!

Carebear77 · Oct 6, 2005

Hang in there. Don't get down on yourself. A&P is a hard subject. I am taking A&P right now as well. I'm doing pretty good, but I read constantly and keep going over my notes. I f I ever have questions I ask my professor. That is what they are there for. If you think you might need some extra help ask your professor I'm sure he/she can give you some pointers. Stay positive. You can do this.

I don't know about your teacher, but you can ask him/her if they drop the lowest quiz grade, ours does this. You can always make it up with extra credit questions and studying previous tests on what you didn't get. Good luck, I wish you the best. :)

nursinguy · Oct 6, 2005

A&P is a tuff class, just hang in there and remember that you need to do (Flash cards with the name of what you need to remember and nothing on the back, so each time you need to explain verbally what the thing is, its function and where it is located). Yes this will take 20 hours a week but it is the one of the only ways to remember everything you need to know.

nursinguy · Oct 6, 2005

Also I would like to say that A&P depends on the teacher. My teacher doesn't believe you are qaulified to be a Nurse unless you got a 135 I.Q. or above. So her teasts are designed to weed out the less intelligent people.

Micci · Oct 6, 2005

Also I would like to say that A&P depends on the teacher. My teacher doesn't believe you are qaulified to be a Nurse unless you got a 135 I.Q. or above. So her teasts are designed to weed out the less intelligent people.

That is ridiculous! So she thinks only 1 or 2% tops of the population is fit for nursing? That is pretty harsh. It is a difficult field, but not to that extent.

Hodge · Oct 6, 2005

What type of learner are you? Do you retain information more effectively by writing and reading? Or are you more visual? Here is a site that can give you some idea http://www.vark-learn.com/english/index.asp This did help some in our class study more efficiently. I do agree though that A & P is a tough class. Our class average was a 67% on the first lecture exam..........We do have a great Prof. but the amount of information can seem overwhelming, finding ways to study efficiently can make it much easier.

As for me, I usually condense a chapter to 15 to 20 pages of notes before the material is lectured on. I then add anything I missed to those notes and study from those for the exam. This worked for me as I was able to pull off an A on the first exam. Also, by preparing ahead it give me an edge for those wonderful pop quizes.......... :rolleyes:

stpauligirl · Oct 7, 2005

Also I would like to say that A&P depends on the teacher. My teacher doesn't believe you are qaulified to be a Nurse unless you got a 135 I.Q. or above. So her teasts are designed to weed out the less intelligent people.

I have a teacher like that also. You need a PhD in Biol and Chem and master the art of Crystal ball reading to do well in his class. My IQ must be 134 because I have the highest grade in the class which is NOT an A. Therefore I am not smart enough for nursing school. :)

truern · Oct 7, 2005

Yes, you need to think positively!!!
(Remember the Little Engine Who Could?)

Fun2Care, I just had to tell you how much I :redpinkhe :redpinkhe your new avatar

Fun2, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2005

Fun2Care, I just had to tell you how much I :redpinkhe :redpinkhe your new avatar

LOL Thanks! :) "I made it myself!" (in a big girl voice...lol)

SarasotaRN2b · Oct 7, 2005

I'm currently going to Massage Therapy school while I wait to get into my nursing program, and they had this test available for us. For me personally, I pretty much learn in all ways, but for some there was more of a wider range. After we take the test, they give learning strategies which I thing is great.

Kris

What type of learner are you? Do you retain information more effectively by writing and reading? Or are you more visual? Here is a site that can give you some idea http://www.vark-learn.com/english/index.asp This did help some in our class study more efficiently. I do agree though that A & P is a tough class. Our class average was a 67% on the first lecture exam..........We do have a great Prof. but the amount of information can seem overwhelming, finding ways to study efficiently can make it much easier.
As for me, I usually condense a chapter to 15 to 20 pages of notes before the material is lectured on. I then add anything I missed to those notes and study from those for the exam. This worked for me as I was able to pull off an A on the first exam. Also, by preparing ahead it give me an edge for those wonderful pop quizes..........