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I'm currently taking A&P 2 and my prof. told us to eat the book which she meant seriously. For the Anatomy part I bought anatomy flash cards which really helped me memorize alot of the information, plus I was able to carry them along on the train and look at them without pulling the huge book out; also they cover both Anatomy 1 & 2. As for physiology I try to eat the book though with the size of the chapters I get indigiestion lol. Hoped this helped.
What I always suggest (and I've taught it) is to actually read the book. You won't hear me say that about a lot of college classes, lol, but it's pretty crucial to UNDERSTANDING A&P. Sure, you could make an A and forget about it all, but if you want to learn it then read it. Also, read for quality rather than quantity. When a process is explained don't just read over it, think about it, and reflect on it instead, and then move on to the next section. There's just so much cool stuff that passively reading it like you would a magazine doesn't work.
I'm in nursing school now myself, and it's rather obvious which kids never learned anything in A&P. Although they may have made A's in there they're having a heck of a time in our application-based courses.
I tell everyone to make notecards and review review review until you could teach each topic to someone else. I use large lined note cards and put them on a ring. Also draw everything you see in lab. Even if you aren't an artist and only do stick figures. Take the time to master it now. Don't think you can coast in A&P and be done when the term is over. You will see it again.
Don't be afraid to circle, draw arrows or write short comments in your text book. You won't want to sell your A & P book anyway. Plus eventually your notes get thrown out, but yout textbook can last years. Why not make good markings in it? It may help you down the road.
Also, only take notes, highlight or make flashcards on things you don't know.
I don't know if there are ways to make it EASIER to learn A&P but what I find works for me is reading the book and simultaneously picturing in my head all the physiological processes. Also before the test make sure you go over the key terms and actually explain them out loud either to yourself or to a classmate. It's tedious and takes a long time but it's gotten me through A&P 1 with flying colours and so far it's working in A&P 2. As for memorizing stuff, flash cards are great!
Nicole74
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