Strategies for Fundamentals (note taking from textbooks)

Despareux · Aug 28, 2011

I read every chapter in every text THREE times during fundamentals. As I enter my fourth quarter, I read less, understand the material much better, and I am able to better utilize critical thinking like never before.

The one thing I still do is draw out concepts that I find more challenging to understand. I only take notes during lecture. But the best studying technique for me is teaching someone who has no idea what I'm talking about (kids, spouse, friends).

As I have progressed in nursing school, I have learned what I don't know but what I need to know; just as I was told would happen. It truly does get easier!!

oklahomagal · Aug 28, 2011

I read every chapter in every text THREE times during fundamentals. As I enter my fourth quarter, I read less, understand the material much better, and I am able to better utilize critical thinking like never before.
The one thing I still do is draw out concepts that I find more challenging to understand. I only take notes during lecture. But the best studying technique for me is teaching someone who has no idea what I'm talking about (kids, spouse, friends).
As I have progressed in nursing school, I have learned what I don't know but what I need to know; just as I was told would happen. It truly does get easier!!

I am in the same boat as the OP and I would like to thank you for the idea as well as the encouragment!! :-)

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Aug 29, 2011

After your first exam, you will see how much the class PP and lecture parallels the book. Until then, you really don't know for sure how much "anything is fair game" is true. I suggest you look at the summary and questions in the back of the chapters after you have read through them. If you can answer those question correctly, you are probably in good shape. Spending a full day seems over the top, and you might lose a broader sense of what you need to know in all those details. It will get better over time, try not to stress too much!

Good luck

inthere · Aug 29, 2011

Try focusing on learning the chapter objectives if your teacher hasn't handed out any enabling. Objectives....it should better focus your reading. Compare your chapter objectives in the textbook to your power points and see how close they parallel each other. To pare down your notes, try to summarize each section into like a paragraph or two....you may still have plenty of notes but not a textbook.

mamadeux · Aug 30, 2011

I was just thinking the same especially since I hear you have to be able to critical thinking and with just looking at the first couple of chapters that are basically on history, definitions etc how do u do that.

I am just trying to make sure I know the objectives.

Goodluck to all lets keep the tips rolling!

lovesroses · Aug 30, 2011

I highly second the teaching part. First off, I make sure I am the only one home (or at least that others can't hear me). Then I pull out my text and class notes and read some corresponding sections. When I'm ready, I look around and see if my dogs are nearby (if not, just baby talk and they come running). I then proceed to summarize the information and teach them the key points (they love learning)! I'm sure you could even do it to the air, it just helps me to internalize the information better when I organize it into my own words and say them. I did that and re wrote/organized/summarized my class notes/powerpoints/key points stressed in class and have done well on the first test. Another thing that I have never done before is to join a study group. We mainly just quizzed eachother. The easiest group to do this with (for schedule meshing) would be your clinical or lab group.

The main thing I think is to figure out how you learn best and expose yourself to the information as much as possible to give yourself the best chance.

studentnursepupmom · Aug 31, 2011

Try focusing on learning the chapter objectives if your teacher hasn't handed out any enabling. Objectives....it should better focus your reading. Compare your chapter objectives in the textbook to your power points and see how close they parallel each other. To pare down your notes, try to summarize each section into like a paragraph or two....you may still have plenty of notes but not a textbook.

This is exactly what I do. All of my teachers use power points and go by the learning outcomes listed in the textbook at the beginning of each chapter.

studentnursepupmom · Aug 31, 2011

I highly second the teaching part. First off, I make sure I am the only one home (or at least that others can't hear me). Then I pull out my text and class notes and read some corresponding sections. When I'm ready, I look around and see if my dogs are nearby (if not, just baby talk and they come running). I then proceed to summarize the information and teach them the key points (they love learning)! I'm sure you could even do it to the air, it just helps me to internalize the information better when I organize it into my own words and say them. I did that and re wrote/organized/summarized my class notes/powerpoints/key points stressed in class and have done well on the first test. Another thing that I have never done before is to join a study group. We mainly just quizzed eachother. The easiest group to do this with (for schedule meshing) would be your clinical or lab group.
The main thing I think is to figure out how you learn best and expose yourself to the information as much as possible to give yourself the best chance.

Oh my goshhh, I love this; I will now start teaching my dog!! :)

NIUnurs2be · Aug 31, 2011

Just want to thank everyone for the great responses!!