Share your best Study Skills!!!

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 19, 2006

I am a huge fan of making note cards. I usually write the topic or question on the front and the answer on the back. It takes a little extra time and effort but re-writing my notes reinforces them. I sometimes have my husband quiz me on them. It also helps me pinpoint the areas where I am having problems so I usually will read further on that material or know what I need to ask the teacher. I can also pull out the ones I haven't memorized yet and review them right before a test. It works really well if you make notecards from the previous lecture before the next lecture because then you don't forget what you learned two days earlier. Using notecards is not for everyone but it helps me get 100's on a lot of tests, including A&P ones. It is work but it has earned me a 4.0 pre-req gpa, and I am not one of those naturally smart people.

AZmom · Aug 19, 2006

So far I'm preparing for class by getting a jumpstart on the reading. Class doesn't even start for me until Monday and already I'm nearly two weeks ahead of the game. Don't know if I'll have the time (or ambition) to do it for my next courses, but I sure hope so!

I will second the notecards suggestion.

I just started studying my first prereq -- Chem -- and what I do is this: Read the chapter(s), then go to my lesson plan which gives a list of all the things I'm required to learn that week -- key terms, formulas, memorizations -- as well as some basic lecture notes. I jot each concept down on a notecard, then reread the chapter filling in the back of the notecard with the answers and/or other info I think might be helpful.

When reading chapters which involve conversions and equations, I work the problems as I'm reading along. I'll also be working the odd problems at the end of each chapter (answers given in the back of the book).

I utilize the websites geared towards simplifying Chemistry -- even if it's a high school chem site. I figure it won't be just about memorizing stuff; that would be easy. I'll have to really understand how it all fits together now before I get into the hard part of Chem.

JoshuaC · Aug 19, 2006

Re-read the information right after you get out of class as to retain it better. Read the chapters prior to class. Study a little every night as to avoid having to cram a week before the test. Don't try to memorize, try to retain. If the material you're studying is interesting to you then it should be easier to deal with it.

Highlite important stuff. I suggest highliting only the best stuff as not to eventually find out you've highlited 50% of your textbook.

Do practice problems if avaliable. Find a study partner if you can and quiz each other. I would suggest study groups, although I've never been a part of a study group outside of the classroom, it's something I've always wanted to do.

Go online and google "study tips" and see what pops up.

todell80 · Aug 20, 2006

I love notecards, I got a couple of the hard cases they have to hold/organize them. I love those things!!

My favorite thing is mnomics (however you spell it). My friend I have taken all my prereqs with is so good at making them up, and we just memorize them.

T

stpauligirl · Aug 20, 2006

Re-read the information right after you get out of class as to retain it better. Read the chapters prior to class. Study a little every night as to avoid having to cram a week before the test. Don't try to memorize, try to retain. If the material you're studying is interesting to you then it should be easier to deal with it.
Highlite important stuff. I suggest highliting only the best stuff as not to eventually find out you've highlited 50% of your textbook.
Do practice problems if avaliable. Find a study partner if you can and quiz each other. I would suggest study groups, although I've never been a part of a study group outside of the classroom, it's something I've always wanted to do.
Go online and google "study tips" and see what pops up.

Great advice, I study pretty much the same way but I also use a taperecorder...this has been a lifesaver many times if I couldn't keep up with the instructor's lecture pace. (English is my second language) I'd go home and fill in the blanks. It was also effective if I didn't get a certain concept right away, in most incidences I "got" it after listening to it again.