So...I know that I need to read the textbook...but it's so dang boring! I'm very much an auditory learner, so unless I'm reading a novel, I have a lot of trouble paying attention.
Reading out loud helps a bit...but I can only read so much of the book out loud because a) I have a roommate so I can't always be talking to myself, b) there aren't always individual study rooms available in the library and c) it's tiring to read so much out loud!
HELP! What do I do? I need to somehow make the reading more interesting so that I actually get it all done.
Have you heard of the Anatomy coloring book? There's also a Physiology coloring book. That may help making it less boring. Maybe you can google the topic, and find some animations or fun websites that deal with system of the body that you are studying.
I'm having the same problem with pharm right now. I'm also an auditory learner, but I never thought about that correlation. What I am doing that's helping a little bit:
I'm taking it section by section. I will finish a section and make notes, then take a break. This means I'm studying about twenty minutes at a time, but several times a day.
I haven't had this problem before. I'm not sure if it's just that pharm is really boring or it's an online class so I'm reading slower and more thoroughly.
So...I know that I need to read the textbook...but it's so dang boring! I'm very much an auditory learner, so unless I'm reading a novel, I have a lot of trouble paying attention.
Reading out loud helps a bit...but I can only read so much of the book out loud because a) I have a roommate so I can't always be talking to myself, b) there aren't always individual study rooms available in the library and c) it's tiring to read so much out loud!
HELP! What do I do? I need to somehow make the reading more interesting so that I actually get it all done.
What I did for both anp 1&2 is interact with the reading. I after each section I would take my notebook and summerize what I just read, each chapter probably took 10-20pgs in my notebook, it helped me understand the material in my own words. I passed both with very high A's so theres a reason for my method of madness
So what I've found to be useful after trying many of the suggestions that I've gotten here and other places is to read and make a study guide with multiple colors. I generally do about 5 pages at a time, and every section gets a new color. This mixes reading out loud with taking notes and writing things in my own words. It takes forever, but I think it'll be worth it.
"My (ANATOMY ONLY) instructor told us that we probably wouldn't have time to read the text"
say what? I've never had a professor or instructor say that!
as for the OP, A&P is tough and not the most spell binding of reading. as with other posters, I found that to get thru it, I would read and write simulataneously.
outlining a chapter reinforced it in my brain and gave me a break from straight reading. drawing diagrams, pathways, etc., helped me to understand some of the more complex concepts like how the heart pumps, urine production, the RAA system, etc.
unless your professor/instructor tests strictly from lecture, I don't know how it would be possible to get thru either course w/o reading the text(s).
now I'm in pharmacology and that also requires that I write everything. some folks in the class don't write anything out and take tests with nothing more than lecture notes and having read the text. one gal that does that sits next to me. I scored about 25 points higher than her on the midterm.
it's good that you're asking about different study methods. find one that works for you. I wish you luck and great grades!
So what I've found to be useful after trying many of the suggestions that I've gotten here and other places is to read and make a study guide with multiple colors. I generally do about 5 pages at a time, and every section gets a new color. This mixes reading out loud with taking notes and writing things in my own words. It takes forever, but I think it'll be worth it.
I'm so glad you found something that works for you! It *will* be worth it!!!! :cheers:
LilMSSunshine
36 Posts
Have you heard of the Anatomy coloring book? There's also a Physiology coloring book. That may help making it less boring. Maybe you can google the topic, and find some animations or fun websites that deal with system of the body that you are studying.