Study Skills...HELP!

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2005

Maybe take a study skills class. They are normally only one or two credits I think, so not to much.

The thing I have found that works for me, it spending most of my study time in the library. I am very easily distracted. The library doesn't have to much to distract me.

Princess74 · Aug 9, 2005

Thanks. I will check into that.

You guys keep the ideas coming please.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 9, 2005

What works for me is being organized. I have a 3 ring binder for each course with folders inside and clear protective sheets and a notebook, and lose leaf paper.

I have them organized in a shelf (along with the text book next to it) and depending on the class I have that day, is what I grab and run out the door with.

When I get my papers graded I have a folder slot for quizzes, another for lecture exams, and lastly one for laboratory practicals.

For actual note taking, I have tried the voice recorder and found that I don't have time to replay it for another 3 hours and take notes, so I opted for writing what I cosider important on my notebook and organize it by chapters of the book. My handouts and notes are placed in order of date, and after taking the exam I file them away. By the time the final exam arrives I have them all neatly stacked in order for studying and to put away and store as well. I also have a stack of blank notecards for joting down info I will need to look and study repeatedly.

The books I don't plan to sell or get rid off, I hightlite profusely and make all the notes I need to. (Science course books).

I have a separate binder with all the letters and documents I have from the school (payment receipts, transcripts, grade sheets, etc)

I also have a wheeled book bag with lots of highliters, pens/lead pencils, erasers and whiteout and some pocket change for the snack machine (I carry no purse at school).

If I don't do this then I can't really function. It does the trick for me, and everytime I am looking for something I know exactly where it is at. :)

I hope this helps somewhat to answer your question. Good luck to you.

student4ever · Aug 9, 2005

organization is key for me as well. i have a sturdy 3 ring binder with sections for class notes, study guides, quizzes and tests, handouts, etc. my planner is also my lifeblood - i write not only my work schedule, but also my class schedule, and what day i have my tests on, so that when i'm looking at the week, i know when i have to plan to study for an upcoming test and i always have it with me, i don't have to go looking for the syllabus to know when the test is.

now, as for studying. flashcards are good to help you remember things, and for a&p i think that coloring books are a good way to go to help you get really into what you're studying. i'm very visual as a learner, so remembering that the stomach was colored green will help me be able to identify it on the charts in lab practical, etc. if your instructor uses power point during lectures, ask if you can have them print off copies of their power points so you can study class notes, that way you won't be panicking if you don't get everything written down in class. most instructors are very willing to print off their power point presentations. also, most textbooks for the in depth classes like a&p have a website with quizes, matching exercises, charts and diagrams, crossword puzzles, study guides, etc. that supplement the course. i've used those a lot in the past and they helped me tremendously. good luck to you!

nursecher · Aug 10, 2005

I have found that studying in chunks works best for me. I seem to retain 3- 30 minute sessions much better than 1 1/2 hours of straight studying. Also there are some nights when stuff just doesn't stick and make much sense. That is usually when I am up late studying. At that point I put it away until morning when things come much easier. I also am a fan of flashcards/notecards.

Good Luck. :)

RNpandoraRN · Aug 10, 2005

Does anyone have any tips for me? I have been out of High School for 13 years and I have no study skills, note taking skills etc... (in HS I didn't care, I just did what I had to do to graduate) I know different things work for different people. What is your way of doing things? Any advice would be helpful. My classes are pre and co reqs for a BSN program.
Thanks:)
Edited to add: Can anyone advise me on what would be a good book to buy on study skills?

I had horrible study skills during my undergraduate years; I was having too much fun.

But now I'm older and more serious, and I've had to revamp my old ways. After I get home from a class, I type my handwritten notes on my laptop, often putting things in my own words to remember them better, especially terms and definitions. Then I print them and keep them as study guides, which I read again and again in my spare time, between classes, etc. Somehow typing everything helps me remember it better than when I was writing it in class (because most of the time I'm trying to keep up with the teacher).

Highlighting books never worked for me because I would still have to flip through them looking for something, and it irritates me to buy books already highlighted because sometimes what was important to someone else, isn't important to me and all it does is confuse me. :angryfire So often after I read a chapter I will type up my own outline of that chapter - what was discussed, important terms and definitions, etc, and of course keep everything organized in the order we cover them in class.

I've also learned that if I am tired and just can't keep my mind on the subject at hand, it's best to put it away and go to bed. If I try studying/cramming when I am not up to it, nothing is absorbed.

Good Luck!!

kristen38 · Aug 11, 2005

:) Opps big mistake

kristen38 · Aug 11, 2005

:) I too was out of school for a number of years, before going back. I forgot how to do all of those things properly, but once school started I remembered very qucikly and developed my own way of taking notes, studying that works for me. Once your thrown into classes, it will come back to you and you will learn new ways to help you,

Kristen

NewEnglandRN, RN · Aug 11, 2005

Many schools will offer a study skills/organization seminar free of charge. Check with student services at your college.

Sorry I cannot recommend any books. But, I can assure you note-taking & study skills are usually quick to return!

Good luck,

TRINI_RN · Aug 12, 2005

For me re-writing my notes worked great. I would re-write the lecture, leaving out what I knew everytime until I could remember everything. It worked for me much better than just reading over my notes. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. Try different styles to figure out what works best for you, its smooth sailing from there :) good luck!