I study for an exam and very little of the material is on the actual test

Published

:angryfire

I am so sick of professors pulling a fast one--he tells us what to study for, points in our notes the major terms, and key points we should focus on..

take the exam and hardly any of the material makes it on the actual test except for a definiton/term here and there. :angryfire:angryfire

I studied for 3 weeks, memorized terms, definitions, the listed major characteristics of functions this was THREE chapters of materials...and it did not make the exam.

He even did a review and highlighted EVERYTHING that we should focus on, he even emailed us a practice test and the practice test was not a fair representation of the actual exam today. We had like 60 questions in the practice tests and i studied them and only like THREE OR FOUR questions made the actual test, and the rest of the material were just trick questions and miscellaneous crap

It was completely different and I don't even think I did all that great. I am looking at a very low C in this class if this professor continues this pattern.

I am so ****** right now with professors who do this. I am tired of it. I don't know what to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't have any advice really, but I feel your pain. I'm going through the same exact thing in Chemistry right now. I've spoken to the instructor, as did a few others, to no avail. I'm telling you almost verbatim what you've posted...and test was NOTHING like what we were told to study. I've spoken with my advisor and I'm waiting to hear back from her. Next will be the Dean. I take that back....speak with your professor and go from there. Hope things get better for you, hon:icon_hug:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is so disheartening. I cannot afford the time or luxury to take over a class.

He is not very honest about what he expects on the test at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

MY A+P professsor last semester was likethat he didn't give study guides at all !!!! and his tests were nothing like his notes that he gave us. i ended up with a D in the class. i am now taking a human biology class not as intense as A+P is. and it qualifies you for LPN school so thats the route i'm gonna take.

good luck hope it changes for u:)

nicole

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I totally understand! I, too, don't have the time, $$ or luxury to be able to re-take this class in order to be considered for acceptance for fall.

My instructor is not only not honest about his expectations, but in his instruction is very vague. Don't tell him you don't understand and can you explain that in a different way, b/c I'll be damned if he don't sit there and explain it JUST as he did before!!!!

I'm curious to see what others around will suggest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Kathy, this seems to be a bit common with professors when their notes and practice material do not give an accurate reflection of the exams. I'm thinking they do this to prevent students from cheating, but it's not helping those who don't cheat and who truly do study and memorize the course material

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand how frustrating it can be to feel lost with the A&P classes. In case you haven't already figured it out for yourself, don't focus too much attention on terms and their definitions. You most likely won't be quizzed on material that simple. Everything for us was all about the various body systems and the concepts involved. I found myself doing extensive research on my own about things I just didn't get, even after asking for clarification in class. I even went to YouTube for animations of cellular respiration, etc. You can't always blame it on the teacher because even if they do explain it well, it just isn't enough.

When you think about it, it is really silly to expect the instructor to tell you what is going to be on the test, not to mention it irritating for your instructor. It is your job to know everything that you cover in class, just because it doesn't show up on the test doesn't mean it isn't valuable information. Our teachers always told us what to study for the exams but it wasn't much help because it was just a basic list of what we had covered. Nursing school is going to cover even more material, all of which you HAVE to know if you want to pass the NCLEX. You have to hammer out your study skills now, and figure out what works for you.

I hope you have better luck with your next test. Now that you know his testing style you should be better prepared. Don't get discouraged, 15 people failed our first lecture exam in A&P I, and like 6 got a D. It is hard when you don't know what to expect. This is only the beginning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCU, Med-Surg/Tele, Psychiatric.

I completely know how you feel!

A few semesters ago I took General Nutrition. The professor gave us a sample exam and study guides for each exam. Of course, the study guides did not contain any information that was on the exams...and the sample exam...yeah...not helpful at all (except to find out the format).

Although I had a tough time in the course, in the end I did very well. I made sure to read and reread the chapters in the book thoroughly. I also made sure to answer the multiple choice and essay questions at the ends of the chapters. It is important to not only know the terms and definitions, but the theory and how it applies to things.

Hope I helped a little! Good luck in your class! :-D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh okay..the theory and how it applies..I wouldn't know where to start..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Oh okay..the theory and how it applies..I wouldn't know where to start..

I am sensing some sarcasm.

Honestly I don't know what to tell you, that hasn't already been said. You have a long road ahead of you and if you don't figure out for yourself how to study, you are going to have problems. I think you have been given some very useful advice. YOU have the power. People have pulled off A's with horrible teachers so don't feel sorry for yourself. I got an A in A &P I and it was because I was actively trying to understand everything that my teacher attempted to explain clearly.

If you haven't already done so, read the assigned material. Don't take notes, just read it. And when it starts to come together and actually make sense, go back and note the important points and how they all relate to eachother.

I would like to add something. If you read this thread you started in January, you would know exactly what you have to do, because you stated it in your original post: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/do-you-quickly-363957.html

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Get to know all of your Professors, hopefully before this happens. Its never too late, and believe it or not, its all part of the learning experience. And I too feel your pain.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dont know if this will help you or not, but here is a study strategy website it has tons of information. http://www.studygs.net/index.htm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion