To record or not to record - that is my question!!!

myrenie · Jun 21, 2004

Hi Deb,

A tape recorder is a great way to absorb the information especially from A&P (That was like learning German) Advanced Pathophysiology (Russian). My instructor did not allow tape recorders in the classroom, so I found re-writing my notes, and reading the text helped with my learning. As well there are many websites dedicated to A&P.

If your teacher doesnt mind the tape recorder...go for it. Try using rechargables or write the cost of batteries off as school supplies.

Cheers!:balloons:

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Before you invest any money, be sure to ask the instructor for permission to tape. Some do not allow it.

llg

IowaKaren · Jun 21, 2004

I used a voice recorder with the small tapes for A&P and it DID help me succeed. My instructor happened to follow his basic over head outline and as we took notes (copied the outline) he added many tidbits into it as we copied. He actually tested over these tidbits and when I got home, I re-wrote my notes in an outline on my computer and added the tidbits to study from. My class was an hour long so had to turn my tape over once during class. The batteries lasted pretty good and I always had spare ones on hand. Worked for me.

Now. on the other hand, I didn't use the voice recorder during nursing classes because the classes usually were hours long and I had a hard time to re-listening to the tapes, so I gave up on that. Fortunately, the instructors gave us power point outlines to add notes to and that worked for me.

Oh, one other thing. Sit in the front of the class close to the instructor for the best recording clarity. Good luck.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2004

and don't forget to take extra batteries to class, just in case.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Personally, I had a horrible time trying to get a decent enough quality recording to make it worthwhile (using neither the cheapest nor the most expensive recorder.) I do agree placement in the room is key.

My friends and I would compare notes as a review as well - invariably one person would have picked up on something the others missed. Group study as soon as possible after the material was initially presented was phenomenally helpful for me. My study buddies and I pulled each other through :).

Dixiedi · Jun 21, 2004

OK - I've just started A&P class last week and am thinking about buying a little recorder for class. I've never used one in class. What do you all think? Did you buy one and use it only once - or did you use it all the time and did it help you a bunch???
For those of you who used it - how quickly did it burn up the batteries???
Thanks for your advise! :)

Way back in the olden days when I was in college using a tape recording was encouraged. However, with all the incidental noises in the lecture hall it wsa impossible to get a good recording. Texts, notes and the library were what worked for me. (now-a-days the internet would/could probably replace the library!) I'm showing my age again. hehehe

Good luck! A&P really isn't that bad once you get basic structure down pat. The rest seems to be able to fall into place! Good thing since we'd all really look funny if something wasn't in place!

Oh gees, I need to go take a nap.

Deb123j · Jun 21, 2004

Thanks everybody for your input/advise!!! :) I really appreciate it - I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!!

I did go out and purchase one - I figure if he won't allow it, I'll be able to use it for some other classes later on. Also when I was debating wether I wanted to spend the $ for it, the deciding factor was 1) I work 2 jobs and it's a 2 hour class w/ no breaks and 2) there was something in the last lecture that I missed and wished I had taped to go over it again.

Again - thanks for all your advise!!!!!:)

Rapheal · Jun 22, 2004

I used to tape my A&P lectures. I would use headphones and listen at a low volume while I did my housework and chores. Then before I went to sleep. I hoped that some of this info would seek into my subconscious mind. I could never really just focus and listen attentively to the taped lecture.

Summer A&P? Is this an accelerated class? Have you tried using those flashcards that they usually sell in the book store? I used the ones called Flash Paks. They come in little "volumes" and are great. They are also a good resource when you are in nursing. Good luck in school.

Deb123j · Jun 22, 2004

Summer A&P? Is this an accelerated class? Have you tried using those flashcards that they usually sell in the book store? I used the ones called Flash Paks. They come in little "volumes" and are great. They are also a good resource when you are in nursing. Good luck in school.

It is an accelerated program, 7 weeks! :eek: It's sounds kinda weird but presently I'm going to my nearby CC and will be transfering to the nursing college in Sept (which came up all of a sudden). I had already registered & paid for the 1st A&P class @ the CC, so I figured I would continue taking it there and when I transfer I'll be better prepared for the new school for when I take it there. Does that make sense? My gpa isn't good enough at my cc to get into the nursing program at the other school (I screwed around a lot 8-11 years ago). So I found that if I take one year doing general classes at the new college and get a good gpa, I should be able to start the nursing program next fall ('05). So it's imparative that I do GREAT this fall and winter semesters at the new college.

I haven't seen the Flash Paks, but then I haven't been looking for them. I have to go to school early today, so I'll take a look in the store. Do they cover most of the things learned in A&P?

I know that A&P is going to be really hard - but so far, I LOVE IT!!! Although I don't love chapter 2 - the chemistry type stuff. But I do love learning about the body - I learned all the different regions - woohoo!!! Call me crazy, but it's nice to finally start learning stuff that I will need to be a nurse!!! :)