I need study ideas!

Dublin37 · Apr 17, 2003

Thanks so much for detailed study ideas. Last semester in A & P, we had tutored groups that were wonderful, and totally helped me pass with a C+. But in Microbio, there isn't one. You can't get a tutor through the school unless you're carrying a full load which I'm not. I don't know about a private tutor. I used to tape my classes last semester, but they would just pile up because it would take hours to go through each class. And I found them to just make me tune out, I'd be somewhere else, what I should make for dinner, gee I should vacuem that etc. It just didn't work for me. I do highlight reading, and take notes on them. I try to re-write my notes, which helped, but I didn't keep up on them. I like your idea on exams Rhonda, about moving on so as not to get too stressed out on what you don't know. I will try that. This teacher does have a curve, an emmense curve! I have never been in a class with a curve before, I'm so happy he does, but I still suck. And when I was in University (a different major) I NEVER saw a curve, not once, whether it was a GE class or upper level class in my major. So I just about danced when I saw his curve. It saved me with the first exam, but the midterm, I was just too low. Although because of his curve, I was only 6 pts from a C, but miles from a B.

You guys are wonderful! Inch by inch.....

nursebucky · Apr 17, 2003

ok, kick me if you like. I began taking a natural herb called Gingko Biloba to RETAIN all of the info my Doctor gave us in Biology A&P 1. I began to think on a deeper level. Gingko is for those who suffer from memory loss, and it enhances the short term memory. It is sold in herb shops and Eckerds drugs. My TEACHER suggested it. My entire class took it.

My final grade was a 98 and not because of curved grades.

I am not taking it now, but plan on taking it if micro gets the best of me. So far I'm ok and don't need it.

Another suggesiton is to take Biology courses at a Vocational school as a transient student. I did it for A&P II. I could not stomach another doctor teaching me biology on the level of a genius. I received an A in this class as well. I felt like it was Biology for dummies. I learned so much and I actually remember everything that was taught! I can actually apply what I learned to real life situations and do not shy away from diabetics and explaining the millions nephrons, the loop of henle, etc...they often wish I would shut up but I know what I am talking about now. I hope nursing classes are not too bad.

Just my opinion...

missionnurse · Apr 18, 2003

Dublin,

Are you studying alone or with other students in the same class? Sometimes it really helps to get a small group (3-5) students together to talk out the information.

It definitely is the only way to get through nursing school, but it got me through Micro as well. Try to be sure one person in the group is doing fairly well in the class and then try spending only about 2-3 hrs per session together. We have sessions at my house for the last 4 days before a test.

The sessions help us all make sense of the material, fill in the holes of what we each missed from lecture, and most of all it reduces the stress which helps each of us approach the test a lot calmer!

Hope that helps!

Misty

:kiss

Nurse2bSandy · Apr 18, 2003

Talking things over with a study group really helps me. Just hearing me tell someone makes it stick so much better. Also others may have read or heard something that I missed.

Failing one test doesn't mean you will fail the class... I have to believe that... I just bombed a biochem exam! I went to the teacher after class and asked if he had any old exams that I could use to help me study. I find that I am with him in the lecture, use my notes for homework, but when tests come, I don't understand anything. The wording is different and I am on my own. He said he had lots of old tests that he would be glad to share. Hope it helps me... and might work for you too.

I find that sometimes tests are very different than what you expect and sometimes that surprise can throw you off. You studied for one thing and find it seems so different on the test.

Good luck!

Dublin37 · Apr 18, 2003

Great ideas Sandy, Bucky and Misty. I did a group for the last exam and I THOUGHT it really helped me. I love the idea of asking for old tests, because I feel just like Sandy in the sense, that I think I am on target, following along etc. But then the test just THROW'S me, seems like it's asking for different info on same subject in which we studied.

What do you mean Bucky about taking a class at a vocational school? I don't think they would transfer over from a class through the program I'm thinking of. (It's a job training program, I could get my CNA through them) Can you explain, since each state is different? I'm in California. Thanks all, this really is helpful. Heather

angellavg · Apr 19, 2003

i know exactly how u feel. we have a new a-p instructor this year. he couldn't cut it in med school so decided to be an instructor. he explains things on a level that no one understands (half the class is failing). he tells us to concentrate on this and this and then when we get the test, none of it is on there and stuff he covered in 2 minutes has 20 questions about it. i highlight and take notes, but that doesn't seem to help either. you think he would figure out that he needs to do something different when half the class is failing lol. oh well, just hope i make it through without failing because i DON"T want to take it again:( :eek:

LaVorneRN · Apr 19, 2003

Originally posted by nursebucky
ok, kick me if you like. I began taking a natural herb called Gingko Biloba to RETAIN all of the info my Doctor gave us in Biology A&P 1. I began to think on a deeper level. Gingko is for those who suffer from memory loss, and it enhances the short term memory. It is sold in herb shops and Eckerds drugs. My TEACHER suggested it. My entire class took it.
My final grade was a 98 and not because of curved grades.

I am not taking it now, but plan on taking it if micro gets the best of me. So far I'm ok and don't need it.

Another suggesiton is to take Biology courses at a Vocational school as a transient student. I did it for A&P II. I could not stomach another doctor teaching me biology on the level of a genius. I received an A in this class as well. I felt like it was Biology for dummies. I learned so much and I actually remember everything that was taught! I can actually apply what I learned to real life situations and do not shy away from diabetics and explaining the millions nephrons, the loop of henle, etc...they often wish I would shut up but I know what I am talking about now. I hope nursing classes are not too bad.

Just my opinion...

Hey! It worked for me!!!! After dropping micro twice(took it with other classes and realized I had to take it alone and give it 100%)so as not to fail, I did the Gingko too. All the other advice is good too-reading before class, focusing on understanding instead of memorizing. What worked for me is to explain what I learn to someone (like a friend or my husband). Being able to regurgitate the information helped. If I can get through it you will too! Keep your head up. You'll get there!

Dublin37 · Apr 19, 2003

Thanks, LaVorne. What does gingko do? Can it interract with other meds? I haaaaate taking drugs, even vitamins! I'm such a chicken. Thanks Angela, that's exactly how I feel! I hope you make it through!

Heather

kats · Apr 20, 2003

The best idea I ever got was from my teacher. He said that the only way he got through college was with the use of flash cards. My grades have definately gone up and my stress level has definately gone down. What I do is I take my lecture notes and break them down into simple questions and answers. Well, maybe not simple, but shorter. Anyways, then I put them onto flash cards. That way I can take them with me and whenever I have a few minutes here and there I can study. It really adds up. That way not only the flash cards help, but the preperation and making of the flash cards adds to the study time too. I hope this helps you. I know it has helped me. Good luck.

Dublin37 · Apr 21, 2003

I have made flash cards, but not with every page of notes, maybe I should give that a try. I kind of see my notes in 'bits' of info, then on exams, it seems like chunks, not bits like in my flash cards. Does that make sense? I should go to the teacher, but I'm so embarressed. Heather

maeyken · Apr 21, 2003

Don't be embarrassed about seeing the teacher!! That's what they're there for! I know some of my profs complain that they don't get to know students, cuz the students never talk to them!!!

Also, if you were teaching a pt something, wouldn't you feel bad if they didn't understand, but didn't tell you?

If the teacher intimidates you, you could send him/her an email asking questions.

Most are great about helping you- you only have to ask!

~ mae

Dublin37 · Apr 21, 2003

Thanks Maeyken, I actually spoke to him today, he was great. He told me to hang in there and zoomed in on my weaknesses. I'm starting a new regiment today, so we'll see how I do. Heather