How do you study?

~FutureNurse~ · Sep 8, 2008

I can't just read and get it to. So, what I do is read, and while I am reading I make notes like I would in lecture. I do this before the actual lecture. Then once we have lecture I go back, use a different color ink and take notes from lecture.

I look at my unit outline (if you teacher gives you one). I make sure to answer all the objectives. I like flash-cards too.

My first exam is on Friday--so I will let you know if this works then.

msfb · Sep 9, 2008

I've never liked flashcards except for a few key items that you must memorize, like blood chemistry values. If time allows, I've been known to re-type class notes. I do as many questions as I can before the exam from a variety of sources. Most of my texts have had online components with practice questions. Some came with cd's that have questions. It helps reinforce the material.

jbjints · Sep 9, 2008

What I do is audio tape every lecture class, listen to the recording while adding anything I might have missed and I then re-write my notes on loose leaf. I study solo. I just do not like group study.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 9, 2008

NCLEX books are also great tools.

Take as many practice questions as you can on that particular subject. Not only will it help you learn the material, it will also help you hone your test taking skills.

Best,

Diane

*LadyJane* · Sep 9, 2008

Diane, great answer. I also listen to the lecture which I tape in class if the instructor pours out information at a high rate of speed (faster than I can take notes). I'll re-listen and look at my notes again, but I do this as soon after class as I can. This reinforces the concepts from lecture. Oh yes, do the reading ahead of time as much as possible. I also study solo, as group study usually seems to deteriorate into social hour! I have a fun time, but don'tget the studying done.... :nurse:

Jane

MB37 · Sep 9, 2008

I used flashcards religiously for A&P and Micro - they're great for classes where memorization is important. I also made them in pharm for the same reason. I even pulled my pharm flashcards back out in med-surg, and I'd use whichever ones applied to the system we were covering when studying for med-surg tests. I didn't make them for any other nursing courses. Instead, I primarily focused on answering NCLEX style questions. I also would type up my class notes, condense them down, and add in other pertinent information from the chapter. Condensing it was the most important - by forcing myself to decide what was important and what wasn't, I had to think about the material. That really helped me to learn.

NurseBettyICU, ADN, BSN · Sep 9, 2008

For those that use flashcards - do you write a question on one side and the answer on the other side? Or do you just write down on the flashcard what you need to know?

For example (from the card in front of me): ___ bacteria use sulphur in photosynthesis.

On the back of the card i write: Green & Purple bacteria.

Or do you find it easier to just write it all out as a statement rather than a question?

student200824 · Sep 9, 2008

I have found that studying with others helps a lot. You have to learn the information first, but studying with others and having them quiz you reinforces the information. Sometimes you learn things you didn't know before when studying with others. I just started doing this a couple semesters ago, and it helped a lot with Peds and OB because those are two subjects I had a hard time in. I make notecards like they are flashcards sometimes, but when I am studying alone I usually take notes from the book and use those to study from along with the notes from the instructor. The previous ideas about taping the lecture and taking notes in class on your notes from home are great ideas as well! I think I may try that next class. Good luck.

MissJS · Sep 9, 2008

i have found that studying with others helps a lot. you have to learn the information first, but studying with others and having them quiz you reinforces the information. sometimes you learn things you didn't know before when studying with others. i just started doing this a couple semesters ago, and it helped a lot with peds and ob because those are two subjects i had a hard time in. i make notecards like they are flashcards sometimes, but when i am studying alone i usually take notes from the book and use those to study from along with the notes from the instructor. the previous ideas about taping the lecture and taking notes in class on your notes from home are great ideas as well! i think i may try that next class. good luck.

i am not one to study in groups, but it is so true that if you know the info (study) & then go to a study group it helps! they may mention something you missed or make something that was hard for you to understand easier. everyone interprets things differently. even if you don't like groups call a friend in that class and ask questions about what you need help on. maybe they got it when you didn't.

avahnel, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2008

I have to be very carefull in who is in my study group. Some of the people I study with just want to socialize instead of study. For that reason most of the time I have to study solo. My first lecture test and skill test out is on the 17th. I think I will do better after that test-I will know if I have studied enough and go from there.

AtomicWoman · Sep 10, 2008

On my flashcards, I write question or a sentence with a blank in it on one side, and the answer on the reverse side. This helps me quiz myself, and it also means someone else can quiz me by asking me the questions.