How to make studying unboring?

[nohika]

I just started my pre-reqs summer quarter, and due to intense load I was able to force myself to study. Here I am, taking a slightly easier load...and suddenly studying's become incredibly boring. It could just be the system we're studying (I really don't like the digestive system), but I find it almost painful to force myself through thirty minutes (or more) of reading the saaaaaaame thing, over and over...it almost bores me to tears. I'm not in Anatomy and Physiology yet - I'm in Human Biology, or the "baby" A&P. We tend to do a system every lecture to lecture and a half. This past week was the digestive system and we covered maybe a quarter to a half of the "Blood" lecture.

Does anyone have any tips on how to make studying "easier" and more worth it? It's killing me to torment myself like this. Thanks so much! :heartbeat It's not I hate studying; I just can't find a way that isn't making me cry out of boredom. :angryfire

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

As an educator, I would encourage you to make an effort to vary the type of media you are 'studying'.

The great thing about 'hard science' ??? Any reputable resource will be providing the same information, so you don't have to limit yourself to the textbooks on your course listing. Just for fun, try buying an A & P 'coloring book' - it's a really fun resource and a lot of students find it very helpful.

There are enormous resources available out there - especially for A & P. A lot of students really respond very well to videos - animated A & P processes. Youtube even has some good ones. I would also suggest you begin working with a study group. You can divide up the content and 'teach' it to one another - a great way to make sure you really understand it.

At any rate, I would suggest you get a method that really works for you before you get stranded somewhere even tougher than digestive processes - like Endocriniology (YIKES!)

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

Find fun videos online that help you visualize the systems... I know there are a bunch of cartoon videos out there (or at least used to be) that cracked me up and made it more bearable.

[work&play]

I tought I was the only one with that delemma. I just can't shake off the bordom.

[Rednights]

I usually look at Youtube videos to get a visual of things, while by no means does it make studying less boring, it does give you (1) visual representation if you are a visual learner like me and (2) breaks up the momentum a bit of reading text.

[nohika]

Thanks for all the tips! I've never tried Youtube before, will definitely have to.

It helps that my professor makes powerpoints for us that have lots of pictures - I like those. They're easier to read then just text. Now, just to deal with the annoying girl who keeps shoving flashcards in my face...

Any good links to Youtube in particular, or advice for searching?

[rayele]

I got an "Interactive" DVD for my Anatomy and Physiology class. It helpd me understand the processes because it showed me how they worked, broke it all down as opposed to just reading about it and I had to participate ( the interactive part). By understanding more, I became more interested in the classes and got A's. Maybe there's an interactive Biology DVD or website.

[work&play]

How do you get an interactive DVD for A & P?

[rayele]

I ordered it on-line. It's called Interactive Physiology 9 system suite or Anatomy, by Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. It includes Cardiovascular, Muscular, Nervous, Respiratory, urinary, Endocrine and Digestive systems along with Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid/Base balance.