New NEED HELP

[Dahlonega]

Hello,

This is my first post. The reason for the post is that I am having problems with my MSN for FNP program. I just finished my Patho course and did not pass the course. (Have to have 80% avg on tests before they will add any additional points.) The 2 questions I have: 1) How do you break down the large volumes of information for studying? and 2) Any advice on note taking?

This is an online course.

I am a slow reader in I am always several days behind the other class members in where we should be in reading the materials for class.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I would go to your instructor and see what remediation is possible. Then...I would ask one of the better students for some help as to organizing the info. You are right, it is a large volume so its important to weed out the "must know" from the "nice to know" to the "oh if I have time, I'll study this" part.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You mention that you are a slow reader ... and that this is an online class, one in which your ability to read and comprehend the written word is critical.

Can you locate a class to help you improve your reading speed and comprehension skills? You might find such a program at a local Community College, a local college adult education program, or even at a high school adult education program? Such a program would help you develop the skills you need for this class as well as for future learning.

I taught a course online this past semester and have been alarmed at the low level of the language skills of many of my students (BSN completion program). They don't seem to have the either the reading comprehensive skills nor the writing skills to do college level work -- and in an online program, those skills are even more crucial because reading/writing is the only form of communication. I can't imagine how some of my students graduated from high school, much less from a nursing program!

Please don't take my above ranting about my students personally. Your skills are probably far above theirs. However, my point may well apply to you, too. Instead of focusing on the "how do I pass this particular course" question, look for long-term help to develop your language and information processing skills. Improving those skills will help you with this particular situation and also set you up well for learning experiences in the future.

Find the people in your area who can expertly assess your study/learning skills and get whatever help they can offer before you beat your head against the wall taking courses that are a struggle for you.

Good luck,

llg

[adria37]

I took the course notes from pharmacology burned them to CD and listened to them while commuting to and from work.

I now have the Berkley FNP review cd's on my Ipod and I listen to it while doing chores and over my car sound system while driving.

It has really helped me to retain the vast volume of material.