I Don't Know How To Study :(

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Seriously. I don't know how I got by during the summer semester. Now fall semester is almost here. I have some tough classes- biochem, college algebra, psychology....any tips on how to study? I always just sit there and read and it gets boring. Its hard to try to study at home. I can never focus. I really want to do well this semester.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Seriously. I don't know how I got by during the summer semester. Now fall semester is almost here. I have some tough classes- biochem, college algebra, psychology....any tips on how to study? I always just sit there and read and it gets boring. Its hard to try to study at home. I can never focus. I really want to do well this semester.

I have the same issue hopefully someone can help both of us I have the hardest time trying to study and feel as if after a few hours I accomplished nothing. Flashcards don't work I read I write and still no results. Help me also with studying.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Don't laugh at me but these things really have helped me.

I have to chew gum or tap a pencil back and forth when I'm reading. If I don't I have trouble keeping focus.

I try to only read for about 30 minutes at a time. But I ways read though the next break in material. I find it's hard to start again in the middle of a section.

I take notes, highlight, and draw diagrams while I'm reading.

I also can't have any background music on. It distracts me.

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I have found that using a recorder to record lectures...and then listening to the recording afterwards is very, very helpful. Making notes as I listen to the recording is so helpful for me! Also, my instructors, most of them, provided power points or some kind of study guide for exams. I read my text book based on that study guide and/or power points...and again, make notes. There are usually sample questions in the back of the book that can be done as well...if I had time, I would review those. Studying is time consuming and can be painful at times...but worth it when exam time rolls around. I have just completed two years of pre-reqs/co-reqs for the RN program and maintained a 4.0 with these techniques! Hopefully I can maintain a decent gpa with the RN program I start this fall:)....Hope these tips help! Best of Luck to you!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I study in timed blocks. I sit down, and review notes/read texts for about 20-30 minutes and then I take a 5-10 minute break. I'll get up, get a drink, throw in a load of laundry or straighten my desk. I just try to do something that is in no way related to school. Once my time is up (yes, I set a timer) I go back to what I was studying, do a quick review and move on to the next section.

I have found that this method works best for me. Before, I would sit down and try to read/review for hours on end and would end up losing focus or, not really retaining anything I was looking over. I have found that taking small breaks helps me to stay focused and I end up retaining a lot more information.

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It's imperative to figure out what works for each class-do you need to read for the class or back up the lectures with go over some topics with reading the text books. Some classes you have to read the text prior to class then go back over it. Each class/professor is different. For studying I HIGHLY recommend getting a white board and multi-color markers; brain research shows that you will retain 50% more info if you write things in color and if you write them acorss your midline (so make it a larger white board not a 8x11). In a former life I was a teacher. I don't always make notecards it just depends on time. If I am short on time, I use quizlet.com because I can type faster and then print them out whatever size I prefer and use an app on my phone when I have time. I always keep in mind there is a difference between busy work and actual studying. I study EVERYDAY. I don't do busy work everyday or wait until the last minute. But when it's my review day I bust out my white board and it all comes together. I make lots of charts for myself to organize data. I also draw body systems or cells in A&P or micro. Some people like to rewrite their notes, that has never worked for me because I zone out and that equates to busy work. I can't relisten to lectures because I'm not an auditory learner.

Do not overestimate the importance of using your common sense when it comes to weeding out what is important and what is not. I used to get super stressed from the professors and other students, because I would listen to everyone and their opinion about which tiny details they felt were soooo important to remember. I finally had to take a step back and realize I am a very intuitive person and I can figure out with pretty good accuracy what to focus on and what is just filler. Also don't be afraid to try new things if what you have already tried isn't working. Once you land on something that does work for you keep doing it.

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You sound like me! I cannot sit there and read or focus at home. If something is not interactive and makes me think, it is over before I even started. However, I also have horrible ADD (yes, been diagnosed and medicated when younger lol). What I have found that works for me:

1. Before I do anything, I have to have ear buds in and playing classical music - something like Bach. If I play something with words, I get distracted. I also have to go to the library or a place like Barnes and Noble. I have tried coffee shops; but they're too busy.

2. Flash cards: I have to hand write these. If I type them, it doesn't work.

3. Essays: If it is something like a process and not just facts, I will write an essay explaining it. For some reason, actually writing the information helps me remember and understand it. I will also add voice to the essays and exaggerate how cool something is. This, too, helps me remember. The more over the top, the better.

4. Dry erase board: I will teach an invisible audience the material. This I do at home or sitting in the library. If I am at home, I will talk out loud. At the library, definitely in my head so I don't get those weird stares.

5. Find a partner who you work well with. Take turns teaching each other the material. I had a friend whom I explained concepts that were hard for her and she helped me with things that were difficult for me. Luckily, what was easy for me was hard for her and visa versa. I think this helped the most!

Good luck! Just remember that only you can get into your way of a good grade :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, retirement, home care..

Try studying at the library or cafe. I used to go to coffee shops and spend hours studying there. Find what works for you.

Also, try to listen for hints at test questions... Most teachers will repeat and repeat certain points to hint that they are on the test. Write them down and study them.

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I tend to get distracted and/or bored reading my books and notes. What has been a life saver for me is youtube and google! I search for whatever is in the chapter and watch and listen to a video. I am more of a visual (I have to watch the professor) and audio learner. To just sit and read..blech...does nothing for me (unless its a book that I chose to read because I wanted to). But watching videos on the material really works for me. It really worked during A&P lab test time. I could find numerous videos with people going over the stuctures/organs that I needed to know for lab. Many had the exact same models we did in school.

I think maybe you need to figure out your learning style if you haven't done that already. you might find out you are more of an audio or visual learner.

What I also do is try to 'teach' someone the information I need to know. If I can get them to learn/understand what I'm 'teaching' (assuming I know myself..haha) then I know I have the info.

I will also make flash cards or notes and prop them up against the kitchen window as I wash dishes or prepare dinner. I'll talk out the notes/cards as I'm washing/preparing. It seems to gel the info into my brain when I do that.

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"Teach" others the material---study groups are most beneficial for this technique

Rewrite your notes at least once immediately after class and once right before the exam

Utilize flash cards for key concepts and facts

Ultimately, figure out what your professors are looking for you to know. They might subtly repeat key facts, hand out power points, spend a longer time going over certain pieces of information, etc.

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Thanks for the replies everyone. I really like the dry erase board idea, I'm gonna buy one :) I also liked the idea of recording lectures. Where can I buy a recorder? About how much do they cost?

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I have a major problem studying (mostly because I can't focus). I have ADHD inattentive type where it is extremely hard to focus. I'm going to get on some medication and hopefully it'll help me with school (I had to drop out a few semesters ago because I was so bad I couldn't focus on my classes and couldn't stay organized to save my life). I have talked to people who have had this same problem and they said they got better after an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Right now I just have to remove all distractions (I deleted my Facebook account, turn my phone off, tv off) and have to just force myself to focus on whatever I need to study. Sometimes I can buckle down and focus sometimes I can't.

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