C's from anatomy.... help me

sandi1743 · Mar 16, 2011

do you are trying to do too much at one time?

it sounds like you are putting a lot of time in but not getting results that you would like/expect - maybe it is time to talk to your prof and see what they have to say?

zeto · Mar 16, 2011

If you are struggling in any class you need to meet with your professor asap. It is hard to tell you what or how to study because everyone is different. Your school my have a tutor that you could meet with once a week, or someone in the ESL department of your school that could assist you. I am not saying you shouldn't do well in all your classes because general gpa is important, but most nursing schools use your core science classes as criteria to getting into there program.

Good luck and stay positive.

supermotojen · Mar 16, 2011

Honestly, I would not let this discourage you. I am a tutor at my local college, and have finished all of my nursing pre reqs including both anat&phys (these are some of the subjects I tutor). I have a lady who I tutor that is also ESL and was having trouble in the beginning. I understand that when you are ESL, you are actually processing the material in your #1 language first, then English, which takes more time- even though you completely understand the material. From her experience- I recommended her to go to DSPS (disabilities/learning disabilities department at our school) and talk to them about being tested for a learning disability and possibly be allowed more time on tests and quizzes, for processing the material. She completed the test they require and was approved, allowing her more time on tests/quizzes. They STRONGLY recommended her to purchase a recorder for class/lectures as well. This was 4 weeks ago and it has helped her tremendously! I have watched her go from a D to a high C/almost B. She is thrilled! I can see that she is a very bright person, but she is processing the material in 2 languages, which simply requires more time on things. From my experience- In anat/phys I, I recieved a 69% on my first test and was not happy about it!! So, from that point I doubled the time I was studying and scored high on my next 3 tests and quizzes. I ended up walking away with a 90% A for that class. So if I can do it, I am certain that anyone can do it! Good luck in your class, don't give up!

zbb13 · Mar 16, 2011

I have noticed that people who are not native English speakers sometimes have a very hard time on anatomy tests--not because they are not smart, but because the language is very sophisticated and adds another complication to the whole mix (I think this also applies to native English speakers who don't have a very good command of the English language and a decent vocabulary). I guess I don't have any real advice...except that it sounds like you may have too much to handle, and that trying to get a special dispensation to have more time to take the tests might be a good strategy.

Good luck!

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2011

Honestly, I would not let this discourage you. I am a tutor at my local college, and have finished all of my nursing pre reqs including both anat&phys (these are some of the subjects I tutor). I have a lady who I tutor that is also ESL and was having trouble in the beginning. I understand that when you are ESL, you are actually processing the material in your #1 language first, then English, which takes more time- even though you completely understand the material. From her experience- I recommended her to go to DSPS (disabilities/learning disabilities department at our school) and talk to them about being tested for a learning disability and possibly be allowed more time on tests and quizzes, for processing the material. She completed the test they require and was approved, allowing her more time on tests/quizzes. They STRONGLY recommended her to purchase a recorder for class/lectures as well. This was 4 weeks ago and it has helped her tremendously! I have watched her go from a D to a high C/almost B. She is thrilled! I can see that she is a very bright person, but she is processing the material in 2 languages, which simply requires more time on things. From my experience- In anat/phys I, I recieved a 69% on my first test and was not happy about it!! So, from that point I doubled the time I was studying and scored high on my next 3 tests and quizzes. I ended up walking away with a 90% A for that class. So if I can do it, I am certain that anyone can do it! Good luck in your class, don't give up!

How is being an ESL student = learning disability? Yes, it takes more time and effort to learn material taught in English when you are not a native speaker. But to say that's a learning disability is a stretch.

supermotojen · Mar 17, 2011

I do not mean anything negative by learning disability at all, I hope no one would take it that way. Having a learning disability can mean a number of things that have to do with PROCESSING information, and nothing to do with a person's IQ/how smart they are. Some people get really bad test anxiety (physically sick/high BP) and have an extremely hard time processing information and getting it out while doing tests, others who are ESL sometimes are PROCESSING the material using both of their languages, in order to get it out on paper. Either way, it is a problem with PROCESSING info and not ANY form of mental problems, etc. This is the definition from my college DSPS website:

What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability (LD) is a permanent condition which affects how people with average or above average intelligence take in, store, or express information. Although their overall intelligence is high and they can do many things, one or more significant processing deficits cause academic difficulties. Like interference on the radio or a fuzzy TV picture, incoming or outgoing information may become scrambled as it travels between the eye, ear, or body, and the brain.

Students with LD have strengths and weaknesses. Some may learn well by listening, while others are visual or hands-on learners. Reading or writing could be difficult for some, while math or organization may be affected for others.

It is important to identify what learning disabilities are NOT. Because the definition specifies that the person must have at least average intelligence, learning disabilities are not a form of mental retardation. They are not related to physical disabilities, psychological or emotional disorders, and they are not the result of cultural or ethnic differences.

Students who are underprepared for college or who are still learning English may experience some of the same difficulties in school associated with LD.

I am just trying to explain that there are ways that some schools can offer help from the DSPS Dept., in the person whom I tutor's case, it has helped her.

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Mar 17, 2011

I still don't understand how the reasoning behind being tested for learning disabilities because of having English as a second language. I could understand this reasoning if the OP was having testing problems when the tests are presented in her native language....

supermotojen · Mar 17, 2011

It (learning disability) was conveyed to me in tutoring class as not a problem with intelligence, but a problem with processing information. I received this info about inquiring DSPS by tutoring someone who went through the process. I am not exactly sure as to the steps used to test my tutee, but only know that she qualified for extra time on tests due to a processing difficulty that had to do with her ESL status. I guess it would have been better to say "simply to inquire the DSPS office if you constantly experience difficulty on tests (and I'm not saying from lack of studying)"..So sorry to be confusing.

Trenia · Mar 17, 2011

It's not confusing, you're just way off base with saying OP has, (EDIT: or could have), a learning disability. It is obviously harder to take a test when it's not in your native tongue.

I wish I could help you OP, but I don't have a clue. I'm sure you'll think of something, or someone here will help you out. Good luck.

supermotojen · Mar 17, 2011

Well I am sorry for mentioning it. The only reason I did is because my tutee just discovered she had problems processing, and she was able to get help. Just trying to give options and possible help ideas.....

zeto · Mar 17, 2011

Hi supermotojen,

You are trying to help the op. I dont understand why people are giving you such a hard time when you clearly have the persons best interest in mind. The students with learning disabilities center can help with a wide variety of situations and can give the op many suggestions on ways that can help her study, including making arrangements to have more time on test. Most colleges have great support systems and the DSPS is one of many that I am sure will help the op. She sounds like she needs to do more than study harder, and you gave her a good way to move towards getting the help she needs, dont feel bad about it.