Organization and study tips?

I keep a 3 inch binder for each class all different colors and a planner. I have two small children, so I be sure to write down their appointments, etc in there and then color coordinate when my assignments are due. For example A&P Lec is aqua blue, so I use an aqua blue marker, etc. Also as soon as I get my syllabus I write down all of the dates my assignments are due and then I check them off once completed. Post it notes and highlighters are your friend!! :) Good luck.

As a studying tip I re-write all my notes. In class I write them in a note book and as soon as I get home I type them up to retain them.

Another tip is always plan to have your paper/project done a day early. You never know what might pop up!

I second the planner. A MUST if you have a lot of classes or if you have a lot going on. And I too like to go through and enter all my test dates and so on. That way I see when I have a lot of things on a certain date and I can plan ahead so I don't get too overwhelmed. :wink2: I also depend on my big white-board/calender. It has a place where I can write down assignments/reading that I need to do and I can cross off/erase as I get stuff done.

For a study tip, ALWAYS look ahead in your books. I don't always have time to read the whole chapter, but I at least familiarize myself with what's coming up next. It makes a big difference.

Good luck with your future classes!

Study tip: MP3 player, noise-cancelling headphones, and soothing classical music.

I'm normally not one to listen to classical music, but if I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and listen to classical music, I can study/read ANYwhere (in the living room while my son watches cartoons, in the ice rink during his hockey practice, etc.).

The lack of lyrics with the music keeps it from being a distraction (I can't study with the radio on, because then my brain is "hearing" the words to the songs). I've also noticed that over time my brain kind of recognized that classical music = study time, almost like a self-hypnosis / subliminal effect.

Another plus: when I had my earphones on, my son knew that the only valid reasons for disturbing me were Blood, Vomit, and Fire -- anything else had to wait until I was done with my studying.

I just wanted to bump this thread, because I think it is important to hear what prenursing students are doing to stay organized. The nursing students have their thread about this too. That and some of these tips are very useful.

A planner is my bestfriend. I write down the chapters I need to read everyday.

brillohead: I love this tip. I will be downloading some classical music to my mp3 player.

I use flashcards for everything. As soon as I come home from class, I hand write my flashcards. Then I quiz myself with the cards.

as a studying tip i re-write all my notes. in class i write them in a note book and as soon as i get home i type them up to retain them.

another tip is always plan to have your paper/project done a day early. you never know what might pop up!

tararae123 i love your idea of typing the notes, i'm interested in learning more on what you type up after lecture days? most of the professors give us powerpoint slides that we can write additional notes on besides what they provide on the slides. if i were to retype my notes i would either add too much info or not include the pertinent information. i really think this method would be helpful and successful if i could learn how to do it.

study tip: mp3 player, noise-cancelling headphones, and soothing classical music.

i'm normally not one to listen to classical music, but if i put on my noise-cancelling headphones and listen to classical music, i can study/read anywhere (in the living room while my son watches cartoons, in the ice rink during his hockey practice, etc.).

the lack of lyrics with the music keeps it from being a distraction (i can't study with the radio on, because then my brain is "hearing" the words to the songs). i've also noticed that over time my brain kind of recognized that classical music = study time, almost like a self-hypnosis / subliminal effect.

another plus: when i had my earphones on, my son knew that the only valid reasons for disturbing me were blood, vomit, and fire -- anything else had to wait until i was done with my studying.

brillohead i also think this is a great idea and think i may run out and buy a pair of headphones. i have ear buds but they are uncomfortable and inevitably i can still hear noise around me. i tried foam ear plugs but they didn't fit right to block out sound. i hate to have to sit in my bedroom with the door closed off from my kids and husband, so i need to figure something else out. thank you for your suggestion.

I study in the "no talking zone" of the public library. I also can't listen classical music while studying, since I am more than just a casual enthusiast.

As for organizational tips, I use one binder per class. Each binder is divided into "exam" material sections, with the syllabus in the front and extra notebook paper in the back. In the pouches I will include any extra handouts and returned assignments (that will need to be hole-punched).

I use a planner, but only to organize my personal life.

What I like to do is rewrite my notes on notecards (notes from lecture and anything from the textbook). I'll punch a hole in the top corner of each card and put it on a metal ring. That way I can study anywhere (on the train, at a sport event, during lunch, etc.) and not have to worry about losing any of them or lugging around a huge binder full of notes. Color coding for all your classes helps a lot too. Hope this helps!