Future RN - Discouraged about Biology

[futureRN-B]

So, I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up, that is, a registered nurse. I have always been compassionate toward others as well as not being afraid to take initiative on hard work.

I am a little discouraged, though. I am a student taking care of my pre-requisites for the RN program, and I am terrible at Biology. I don't miss class. I study pretty well. I am super attentive in class. I am one of the only ones engaged in responding to questions during lecture. But, I am getting a "D" in Biology so far. Last semester, I took Biology on line and did all my assignments but was on track for an "F".

This all from a student that took four core classes, English, Algebra, PoliSci, and Psych last semester and got a 4.0.

Whah, whah. I need advice!

[Idaho Murse]

Well have you talked to your teacher about your tests? What do you feel is the problem? What type of tests are you taking there are strategies for taking multiple choice and fill in the blank and short essay questions.

Main thing I would advise is talk to your prof. Also when you say Bio, are you talking A & P or just basic biology?

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

You are not studying "pretty well" if you're getting Ds and Fs. Or are you getting the material right in questions during lecture and just not on the test?

Some people have test taking issues that affect their scores - but that would affect you across the board, not just in biology.

Is it the concepts? The way the material is being delivered? Do you know what type of learner you are (verbal, visual etc)? I would definitely try to get in a study group with someone who does well (people who are good at a subject often like teaching others) and go speak to the instructor, sooner rather than later.

[wannabesedated]

When it comes to biology you need to understand the concepts.

This means that you can't just memorize the information and expect to do well.

What I have found in biology is that assignments are much easier because the information is right in front of you.

But if you don't actually know that information, tests will be difficult.

I would advise asking yourself questions and testing yourself, as you read the material. It isn't enough to just read it and think it will stick.

When it comes to vocabulary, it's the same thing.. don't just memorize your definitions. Put them in your own words in a way that makes it easier for you to understand what they really mean.

You may need to re-think how you are studying, as it obviously is not working for you.

Try some of these websites for help with study techniques:

http://www.howtostudy.org

http://www.studygs.org

(Thanks to Daytonite who posted these links on another thread!)

[futureRN-B]

"When it comes to biology you need to understand the concepts.

This means that you can't just memorize the information and expect to do well.

What I have found in biology is that assignments are much easier because the information is right in front of you.

But if you don't actually know that information, tests will be difficult."

Here is the thing. I am grasping the material in Labs and in Lecture, but the tests are worded in a very tricky way. I think you give good advice as to "not memorizing" but rather putting studying the material in a way that clicks with me (learning the material).

I'm a 3.9 GPA student so I don't think its my test taking skills. In high school I got a "B" in Biology but that was years ago when I didn't have a full time job and three active kids (lol!) I am taking Intermediate Algebra online and I am getting an "A" there. Maybe this is a class to take by itself next semester.

[futureRN-B]

"You are not studying "pretty well" if you're getting Ds and Fs. Or are you getting the material right in questions during lecture and just not on the test?

Some people have test taking issues that affect their scores - but that would affect you across the board, not just in biology.

Is it the concepts? The way the material is being delivered? Do you know what type of learner you are (verbal, visual etc)? I would definitely try to get in a study group with someone who does well (people who are good at a subject often like teaching others) and go speak to the instructor, sooner rather than later."

Thank you for your response. Teacher is great in lecture (as far as trying to get us to understand), and I am getting the questions right in lecture, just not on the test. I believe this professor is good at manipulating questions to ensure we are "learning" the material instead of "memorizing" it.

I have three study groups going in this class and nobody is doing "well" (talking "D's")

But, I think the best thing for me is to maybe focus on this class by itself next semester.

I respect and appreciate your response!