Reading And Note Taking

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 12, 2005

I have started my a&P class and we of course had to read first chapter. I am not sure if it is mainly because I hear how hard this class is, and I do not want to miss a thing, but it is taking me forever to get thru chapter one with all the highlighting and notes I am taking. How does everone do this. Do you read highlight and take notes at the same time. Or do you read highlight and go back to take notes. I feel when I am reading and writing at the same time I am not taking in all the info. Please help.

If the instructor uses powerpoint slides, we get a copy of them and I just highlight as I go and make my own markings.

The A&P 2 instructor I have now, only dictates and we must write like crazy. Some students use a recorder, but I have no time to replay it at home and sit listening to 3.5 hrs worth of lecture so............I write jot down my notes and anything she emphasizes or I need to work on I highlight. Also, I use the book to follow along and do the same thing to my book and write page numbers on my notes to refer back to my book for further explanation etc.

This has always worked for me. Also, if I am confident about something I just write the page number or a quick reference note and concentrate on the new or more difficult material.

Making my own flashcards has helped me too. Good luck

TIFFY_RN2BE · Sep 12, 2005

Well this is my first A&P class and I haven't had an exam yet so I am no expert but my instructor gives us notes to take during lecture and then we read the chapters I don't do highlighting has never been my style in school but as I said not an expert yet but I just rewrite my notes I took in class and then do the reading.

kayel · Sep 12, 2005

I started out the first page highlighting and then .. just read while at the computer and took a few notes in my own A&P study file. I found it was really helpful and when the prof gave his first lecture, I was in the zone and it all made sense! I took notes in class also and typed them out when I got home in my own A&P lecture file LOL. Now .. this could all backfire if my 'puter blows up but .. for now I'm in my glory.

They also have some sort of outline and study helps on the main computer at the university, which I still have to go look up so I'm not sure precisely what it is or how helpful it will be but .. every bit helps!

crb613, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2005

I do tape lectures but no I don't always listen to them all. I try to listen to them on my way home (45min.-hr drive) & focus on what I did not get. I do my reading before class & take some notes during. I think the tape recorder just makes me feel secure that if I miss something/don't understand I can go back & get it.I find I can listen better in class if I am not always writing. Hope this helps & good luck.

Mudnuri · Sep 12, 2005

I dont find it helpful to highlight before the lecture.

My professor gave us outlines for each chapter that her lecture is based from. They are available to us on line so I convert them to word, add spaces, and take my notes on her notes.

There is so much in the chapter that is "extra" you have no idea what you really need until the lecture. I looked at used text books in my bookstore, and some people highlighted almost the entire chapter in some of them.....to me, its more confusing with colors everywhere...heck, after the 1st lecture, and the chem review we had, theres still a lot of stuff not "important" in that first chapter, based on notes from the professor, notes I took, and notes given during the chem review

Brandy

labman · Sep 12, 2005

I always read the book before comming to class then take notes on the book and see what I think is important. Then I went to lecture took notes and compaired what the book said to the lecture material. Since you come to class with a little understanding of the topic you will be able to understand the material a little better. Then re-write lecture and book notes it is a good way to re-inforce the material. I mostly took stuff out of my lecture notes because that is what the teacher wants. With this you will have a great way to study for the final.

I Hope that wasn't to confusing

KENT

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Sep 13, 2005

I made an A in both classes (our anatomy and physio were seperate).

What works for me might not work for you, but here is what I do.

I don't read before class, it just personally does *me* no good. I listen and record the lecture and take notes. I read the text afterwards and re-listen to the lecture (sometimes fastforwarding, I do have kids and not enough time) and re-do my notes. I like to record the lectures because like someone else said, it gives me some sense of security....and when I go back and relisten I find I have missed things sometimes as well.

That works for me.

But do expect to spend a LOT of time studying!

nurse2be2007 · Sep 13, 2005

Here is what I do.

I take notes in class, then immediately after class I go over my lecture notes again and at the same time I rewrite them using different colored pens. (makes for pretty notes LOL)

Then I start making my index cards from my notes but simplifying them a little more so I end up with only the main ideas.

I study my index cards over and over again throughout each day until the night before the test.

That night I will reread my notes again, and then test myself using my index cards. I pay close attention to the ones I am not quick to answer, and weed those out. Afterward, I have the few cards that I dont know that well and focus in on those only. After I have learned those better, I will go back over my notes one more time. If I feel confident then I will put it all away and leave for a quick review right before the test.

It probably wont work for you as everyone is different but it doesnt hurt to try other methods.

Good luck to you!