In need of study skills help

bloomer319 · Jan 16, 2014

Create a mnemonic to help with learning different structures / functions etc...or perhaps maybe your more of a hands on learner than audio/ visual. Hope it helps.

cathering, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 16, 2014

For anatomy, I drew parts and took my own pictures with a camera. Then I labeled the anatomical structures that I needed to know on PowerPoint. Then went thru it over and over.

For physio, I also drew out the process. And recorded the lectures. So then I would draw while listening to the lectures. Oh with colored pencils and a small white board & markers. Drew it over and over again!

Hope it helps! I still do it I'm nursing school (but less drawing) good luck.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2014

Good day, bkburgos1326:

Where are you having the most trouble? Lecture or lab?

Does your campus have tutoring services? If yes, have you used them?

Is your professor available to talk with you? If yes, have you talked with your professor asking for advice?

Does your class have study groups? If yes, have you tried any? If no, have you talked about forming one?

Thank you.

LaceElaine · Jan 17, 2014

I think I mastered the art of studying A&P (at least for myself). First, take VERY good note. Pretend you are taking notes for a good friend. Make them as neat as possible, write everything down. Include page numbers for each bit of info if you can. Star important notes if the teacher says they could be on the test! Highlight all definitions.

Next, it's time to sit down to study. Try to study as soon as you can after class. Even if it's only 10 or 20 minutes. Repetition makes it stick better.

Before you start studying, make sure you have everything together. (highlighters, pens, pencils, book, paper, COFFEE!! or and energy drink, a snack) Now that you have everything together, turn off the tv and anything else distracting. If you can't, download a relaxing sound app to listen to while you study. (it's proven that white noise or the sound of rain improves concentration).

REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT! if you don't remember, keep quizzing yourself until you have it down pat. Try to study before bed. If you do, it's more likely that the information will be converted into long-term memory (unlike cramming which uses short-term memory).

Try to take a 2 minute break every 20 minutes or so. I read a study that said that 20 minutes of studying will deplete your brain's store of glucose. To restore the levels, try to laugh (find funny memes or vines) or pop a few skittles or whatever you like.

a few more little study tips:

chew a new flavor of gum or wear a new perfume while you study and then do the same while you take the test, it's proven to help you recall information.

Try to study in new spots as it also helps information to be remembered.

Drink caffeine about 20 minutes before the test for better focus

eat a good breakfast and lunch

exercise also helps memory

That's about all I have. I hope at least one bit of my methods of studying can help you! Good luck!!

bluescrubs16 · Jan 17, 2014

Get in a study group! I am part of a small group of 4 ladies who are all taking our sciences together. We meet 1 day a week outside of class for an hour or more and 30 minutes prior to each class studying. We spend a few minutes socializing and then get down to business. We share memory ticks we have learned, quiz each other on definitions, take turns teaching each other concepts, and really just talk through the chapter. It has been a real blessing! We really encourage and motivate each other. Chances are there is someone in your class who could benefit from a study buddy as well. :)

Something else that worked for me is to NEVER try to read the whole chapter in one sitting. I usually had a week and a half between each test so I would divide the number of pages up equally to be read over the course of 3 days. I spend 25 minutes reading, 5 minutes reviewing what I read, and then take a 5 minute break and then repeat till I am done. I take notes when I read and I also recorded myself reading the chapter and listened to it back when I was driving or cooking - so dorky but it worked! Then I studied the hardest concepts first, after I mastered that I moved on to the next concept, and soon I had worked my way through the material.

Don't be afraid to go early or stay later after class and ask your instructor for clarification of whatever it is you don't understand.

YouTube has some great videos as well, I recommend the Kahn Academy or Bozeman Science channels. It was super helpful to see an animation of osmosis or filtration or formation or whatever rather than just read about it!

Good luck to you!!