Published Jan 24, 2012
jdlabadia
39 Posts
So it's my 4th class in and we're already on Chapter 3. It's been over 10 years since I've been back in school but is this normal? I feel like our professor is rushing through this course. He has breezed through a chapter each class with the exception of the first class which was to discuss the syllabus. I understand there's a lot to cover but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed here. Of course we ask for the teacher to explain things when we are lost on a topic but I'm just still curious if this a normal speed to be at. I go twice a week (one lecture, one lab) and we've already gotten 2 quizzes as well. I'm frantically re-writing notes and re-reading the chapter when I can and doing all the labs in the booklet he wants us to but I'm already getting burnt out.
For anyone who has taken this class, was your pace the same as mine? Would you consider this the regular thing a professor would do?
pamelakkeith
2 Posts
in my experience, that is completely normal....I'm in my 4th semester of nursing school and all they are doing is trying to get you ready for the challenge ahead. It's not unusual for us to be tested on 20 chapters on one test. They are trying to cover such a LARGE amount of information in a very short time.
I was out of college for close to 20 years before I decided to go back. Hang in there!!! You will do great!!! . :-)
Thank you :)
I've spent literally all morning and now afternoon catching up on all three chapters to get ready for tomorrows class. I think because my first semester was a breeze with the easier pre-req's, I didn't really expect to get hit this quick but I'm definitely trying to get all my ducks in a row now.
CDEWannaBe
456 Posts
Every teacher is different. You might look at reveiws on RateMyProfessor.com
My school did Anatomy in first semester and Phys in second. The memorization part of Anatomy was daunting, but use flash cards and it will help.
Have same teacher for Phys. Pace is fast but our teacher is hitting the highlights; she's very succinct and to the point. I appreciate that she doesn't waste my time.
It's been 20 years since I've been in school. Brain moves a bit slower, but I'm doing much better as a student. Don't lose heart, the semester will fly by and you'll be done.
Nurse2b7337
1,154 Posts
I totally feel you!! I am taking the same class with lab. We haven't had any quizzes but our first class is on this Thursday over the first three chapters. If you like flash cards check out quizlet.com. You can make your own or use the pre made ones already there. It flows exactly as my chapters do. Good luck to you we will get thru this class and the others. :-)
RED1984, BSN, RN, EMT-P
370 Posts
I took A&P one and two online at UOP and the chapters went FAST!!
RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN
790 Posts
I'm in A&P I as well and it's very fast paced. We just finished our 3rd lab and we've already covered chemistry, cells, tissues/cartilages, the bones of the skull, and have had 1 quiz (I got a 102.5!). We have our first lecture quiz tomorrow (chemistry....help!). I can't imagine how quickly A&P II will move since I'm taking it this summer and they have to cram 16 weeks worth of information into 10 weeks! I've already realized I need to study something every day for an hour or so. Flashcards, websites with crossword puzzles/games, review lecture and lab notes....I feel like I can stay on top of it that way. GOOD LUCK!
Boxer Mama
293 Posts
I think this is pretty normal. Tonight is only my fourth class and we are in chapter five, two unit quizes due tonight, an 8-page chemistry packet due next week and it just keeps going. This seems to be the standard. There is just a lot of material to cover in a little bit of time. I am making note cards like crazy, and they go everywhere with me. Good luck!
leenak
980 Posts
I like the chemistry parts of bio classes but we are skipping the chapters on chemistry and cells because we are already expected to know those. Our syllabus does show basically a chapter every class though so it is going to be a busy semester.
Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN
597 Posts
[color=#2f4f4f]a&p is very fast-pace in my experience! i was not used to that either. i mean we were doing 3-4 chapters a week and then having tests week after week. i didn't have an ounce of test anxiety until my first a&p exam and i've had it ever since! lol, i feel it prepares you for the program though, it doesn't get slower when you get in! it's something you really have to continue to devote your time to. i felt very behind constantly in a&p i, but i came out with a b. study as much as you can, make flash cards, use coloring books, whatever works for you, utilize it and it'll be over before you know it! good luck! :)
writed
43 Posts
I feel better after reading these posts! I have had 2 lab classes so far - my 3rd class will be the lab practical covering chapters 1 through 6. I'm afraid I'll be seeing histology slides in my dreams.
emcadams
113 Posts
I made a post on a different thread about something similar, but don't skimp on reading the book. READ THE BOOK. Read it like its your favorite romance novel. It takes me about 2-3 hours to read a 30-40 page chapter. I get up like every 45 minutes to take a small break, but the reading must get done. I wouldn't waste time with the power points, unless you know for a fact that they work for you. I do not learn with power points. I learn by immersing myself in the learning material and thinking about things...so reading the book, and then going to the online companion site and going through the activities on that. You need to get your study habits in line in these early classes...because it won't get much easier, unfortunately. I went through college and got a degree in English...but I made really crappy grades because I was lazy. I found myself selling credit cards at a bank.
Your grades in these classes can make or break your admission to nursing school. Read the book, go through the interactive online material (if you bought a used book, you can purchase online access. I did this with my Pearson Microbiology book). Don't get freaked out by what other people are doing. Read the book.
PS...I know a lot of people learn well with flashcards. I never have. I would waste time making flashcards, get frustrated, try to use them, and give up. Really think about a class you did well in, and what you did to do well. If you have your first test, and you don't do well, think about what you did to study...if you spent all your time making flashcards, going over powerpoints, etc, then THOSE DID NOT WORK for you. If they did, that is great, keep it up!
I hope this helps...I met really nice people in my classes who wanted to do nursing, but some of them just never read the book and then got frustrated with themselves.