I AM SOOOO Scared!!!

wannabe an rn · May 25, 2010

I got a dry erase board and it's been very helpful. I write out concepts, formulas and work math problems. I also explain it out loud as I'm working on it. Having the board set up where I can continually look at it has helped commit things to memory, and it gives me a lot of room to work problems without using so much scratch paper.

wannabe an rn · May 25, 2010

Agree with all of the above. Yes, I saw lots of younger students making very elaborate study tools. I didn't do that. What I did do is use the material the instructors made - they had a study guide with class notes and practice tests. I still took very detailed notes and drew pictures to help understand processes like DNA replication. If I wasn't understanding, I would find videos like on youtube and university sites. Before starting my pre-reqs, I hadn't had a biology class since 1982 and it was dry. I find it pretty cool that I can do a google search and find a study tool on just about any topic.

I agree. Youtube videos are great. I'm a visual learner, so seeing a video of how the cardiovascular system works is a much better learning tool for me.

ekidsmom · May 25, 2010

These are some great suggestions. I don't have much to add, but I do have one tip. If you are stuck reading the same page over and over (and it won't sink in), read it out loud. Sounds silly and is time consuming, but it worked for me. I hadn't taken Biology in years and I worried because I got a "C" in Biology in college the first time around. This time I was at the very top of my class. What a difference a few years and some serious motivation can make! Good luck to you!

Knitter72 · May 26, 2010

knitter, Im still struggling with time managment. How did you study for A&P 2.? (not trying to hijack thread) I swear Im studying 30 hours a week outside of class for A&P2. (not including Lab)This one class is a full time job for me. The Proff I get for these science classes will not tell us what the exam is on so I end up having to study and try to remember every single thing in the book!

Yeah, I'd say if you're studying 30 hours that's too much. Have you taken a learning style inventory? My Anatomy instructor started the first day of class with one to aid in our success. He used VARK: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

I thought it was a waste of time to read the book more than once. What worked best for me was to write the information from memory again and again until I got it right without having to peek. For example, drawing a diagram of a nephron over and over again. I would also explain it to anyone that would listen (my ten year old is now well-versed in A&P).

jenniepaige · May 26, 2010

Oh my gosh, I know how you feel! I just finished my second semester back after being out of school for a long time and no science or math since high school 10 years ago. Plus I was not a good student before. This past semester I took a biology class (no lab) and math (algebra 2 pretty much but I never took it before) and both semesters I got straight A's. I also have 3 kids, the oldest being in kindy. So YOU CAN DO IT! And you will find that you really enjoy it to. You're doing it for you and no one else. I don't know about you but that doesn't happen very much around my house.

I even am still nervous about starting A&P in the fall and feel like that's when it really starts, but I'm excited!

You can do it! You will surprise yourself like I did.

ETA:

I just wanted to say what I did in my Biology class and know that I will need to do more in A&P. First off, read the material the first time before class. If your book has on line help go through all of it prior to class as well. Take your own notes, even if the prof provides them for you. I would sometime print out his slide show (and read it) ahead of time and just elaborate on it but I actually preferred taking my own notes. I would also read the book again, go over notes with a highlighter (most of the time) and sometimes go back over his notes and the on line help which was fantastic. For next semester I am also seriously considering getting the Pulse Smart Pen that someone else recommended. It records what is being said at the time that you are taking notes and puts it all together for you. How cool is that?

aconnelley · May 26, 2010

I am 33yrs old with 4 boys! I would use the words all the time. People will look at you weird, but that was the only way for me to get the names of the parts in my head! Pictures do help, I also had a color book to color and label the different parts. Good luck, I hope you find lots of study time!!

indonurse_uci · May 26, 2010

agree with you all, use all your senses.... and we will get better results, anyway i will try all the techniques above as i haven't started my study yet either... so, it is a really nice and informative threads :)

Have a successful study everyone