a lil frustrated

WhoNeedsaShot? · Oct 6, 2008

If alone time isn't an option, the you need to figure out a way to study "smarter" instead of studying longer. You didn't say how many kids or ages or what your school schedual is like. Days or nights etc full time, part time? But I'll go with my gut and assume you have a couple little ones and a day schedual.....

Suggestions:

1. Put the kids to bed earlier. They may cry at first, but they will get used to it. Study from 8-11 every night.

2. Instead of reading the whole chapter, read the chapter outline or sumary at the end. Take notes from that before your lecture, then during lecture highlight what you need to add to the notes you have already taken. (saves alot of time)

3. If you get a study guide, look for your answer in the glossary, sumary or outline first. ( alot less reading)

4. On your notes, highlight it if you "know it" and then you just have to cram the unhighlighted stuff. Cuts study time from notes way down, you don't have to relearn what you already know.

5. Try your best to get at least one chapter ahead in your classes, it is so much easier if you have a clue what the instructor is lecturing on.

6. Use a tablet other then "index cards" takes a lot less time

7. When taking notes use sub headings, so if you have to look something up, you will know where to find it easier.

8. If your kids are not infants, and can entertain themselves for a bit, make them! Have them watch a movie and tell them they can't bother you until its over. Then reward them on the wkend for giving you study time.

9. Have them read while you are reading, or color, or get them educational computer software.

Just don't give up!..... You will find your nitch and it will all work out if you want it to.

Good luck to you

J.Q.

Bobylon · Oct 6, 2008

...................................
Suggestions:
1. Put the kids to bed earlier. They may cry at first, but they will get used to it. Study from 8-11 every night.
2. Instead of reading the whole chapter, read the chapter outline or sumary at the end. Take notes from that before your lecture, then during lecture highlight what you need to add to the notes you have already taken. (saves alot of time)
3. If you get a study guide, look for your answer in the glossary, sumary or outline first. ( alot less reading)
4. On your notes, highlight it if you "know it" and then you just have to cram the unhighlighted stuff. Cuts study time from notes way down, you don't have to relearn what you already know.
5. Try your best to get at least one chapter ahead in your classes, it is so much easier if you have a clue what the instructor is lecturing on.
6. Use a tablet other then "index cards" takes a lot less time
7. When taking notes use sub headings, so if you have to look something up, you will know where to find it easier.
8. If your kids are not infants, and can entertain themselves for a bit, make them! Have them watch a movie and tell them they can't bother you until its over. Then reward them on the wkend for giving you study time.
9. Have them read while you are reading, or color, or get them educational computer software.
Just don't give up!..... You will find your nitch and it will all work out if you want it to.
Good luck to you
J.Q.

All great ideas/points, in fact sounds much like my "system," other than that I highlight the stuff I don't know and cram it :)

Although my kids are old enough to "leave me alone" when studying, I can relate to jjbutterfly's post......ya just have to prioritize and work around "obstacles." I often stay up late/get up very early to study/do reading, homework while my family is asleep......the peace and quiet offsets the lack of sleep, for me

WhoNeedsaShot? · Oct 7, 2008

Bobylon,

I highlight the stuff that I know, because I can't "UN" highlight it once I have it down....... LOL.........

Once I know it, I just cross it off......... :)

queenzeus · Oct 8, 2008

Hi i understand what u going through i have four kids at home ages 5 4 2 and 2 month in order for me to get time to study when i get home from school around 5 i cook dinner, check homework, give the kids some me time and then we go to bed aroun 8:30 me and the kids. I wake up around 2:30 am in the morning because now i am refresh with some sleep. I dont have to worry about any kids wanting any attentionAnd nowI can study u can do it dont give up

missjennmb · Oct 8, 2008

I don't know your hours, but I have found myself completely unable to study at home. Instead, I stick around school as much extra as possible, and I DONT let myself get sucked into the chit chatting/off topic stuff that goes on between classes/during down time. If you have downtime in class, pull out your book and get reading. You'd be amazed at how much time you can find yourself with just by taking advantage of spare moments at the college. Plus, for me, time spent studying THERE is worth ten times that amt of time at home, because of less interruptions. I hang out at the library, hide myself away, read in my car before class...whatever it takes.

Regarding prior suggestions... I couldnt pass without fully reading all of our chapters. Our tests are not on the main points but often on obscure details so that would not work for me. There are some things that we are told to "make sure we know" and I put those on notecards, so that I can pull them out at the stoplights and when I'm in places that are too crazy to study (like at home) So for that, notecards really work for me.

I have a 1 yr old, 3 yr old, 13 yr old w/ ADHD that I homeschool, and I also work 28 hours a week at a job an hour away. I can totally relate.

candycane80 · Oct 8, 2008

I am frustrated as well. I have 3 boys 2, 4, 11 W\ADHD as well. I just put my two youngest in school. I don't have any me time. I so study and highlight the information and I reread and go to tutoring sessions when offered. I can not pass any tests. I only have 5 left to pass. I study and study and can not put the information to use. I can spit the information out before the test but when it comes to taking the test I loose all of my information like I can not apply it. I spoke to most of my classmates and they are failing or barely passing. But me on the other hand, I am FAILING. I am trying my best. I guess it is not good enough. I need some help. I have even brought NCLEX study guides and can answer the questions right everytime. I don't want to drop out but this will be my only option if I can not pull my grades up. Maria :crying2: :sniff: :eek: :bluecry1:

jjbutterflyjj · Oct 9, 2008

but i can't cause i living in a apartment with a lot of others too that my uncle sleeps in the living room n me my bf and kids stays in my room so there is no place to run n hide out n read when they r sleeping cause my lil one wakes up easily