What are your study habits?

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I have terrible study habits and any little thing distracts me. I also have two small children who help in that department as well. Can anyone give me some help/advice on improving my study habits. It just seems like nothing sticks.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

One thing that helps me a lot is "extreme isolation" headphones and listening to classical music with them while studying. It helps me block out the world and really concentrate.

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I have an 18-month old so I know your pain when it comes to distractions. He has been in daycare for the past 9 months but we are taking him out over the summer to save money. I'll be taking my classes online so I will study during his 3-hour afternoon nap and after he goes to bed at 7:30 pm. Beyond that I don't have many suggestions. Plain and simple, I don't study around him, or plan to, because it is impossible. Can you have somebody watch your children while you go to the library? I also get distracted easily but I have been doing pre-reqs for 2 years now so I have my study habits perfectly refined.

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I study alone and in quite. Last minute normally, I am more focused under the pressure of a pressing time limit/looming deadline.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

Another thing that helps is to figure out what type of learner you are. Do you learn better when it's hands on? Or through visual or auditory stimuli? Auditory learning is very helpful for me, along with hands on, so when it's not "hands on applicable" I like to tape my lectures and re-listen to them while I do other things. It helps me to hear the information a second or third time.

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I have kids also and even when they aren't around I find myself getting distracted so I must study outside of the house.

I also talk to myself, the kids, and my husband about the things I do know to get them to really stick. I sometimes keep flashcards with me of things that I'm having trouble with remembering.

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Specializes in ICU.

I have a 4yr old and a 5 month old, so I can definately relate to the whole distraction aspect. In fact, I really can't focus that well at home, but that is where I must do the majority of my homework, studying,ect. I try to arrange babysitting as much as possible (and can afford) so I can go to the library or school and really buckle down. I never attempt it while my kids are awake (pointless, it wouldn't stick), so usually I find I have to get everything done between 9:30pm and midnight, sometimes later. Doesn't leave a lot of time for sleep, and I don't recommend it, but it's how I get the things done that I need to. I will be so glad when I can get back to a schedule where 6+ hours of sleep is a common thing instead of a weekend treat :)

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Specializes in Emergency Care.

43 years old, 2 kids, one 6, one 16. I study at night, at kids school, and everywhere. Live in the tutorial center of my school, and seek out tutoring. Re type all lecture notes and write flash cards. Quiz myself with eyes closed to remember mechanisms.

It's brutal with no escape from reality, but I kinda like it...

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I have a 4yr old and a 5 month old, so I can definately relate to the whole distraction aspect. In fact, I really can't focus that well at home, but that is where I must do the majority of my homework, studying,ect. I try to arrange babysitting as much as possible (and can afford) so I can go to the library or school and really buckle down. I never attempt it while my kids are awake (pointless, it wouldn't stick), so usually I find I have to get everything done between 9:30pm and midnight, sometimes later. Doesn't leave a lot of time for sleep, and I don't recommend it, but it's how I get the things done that I need to. I will be so glad when I can get back to a schedule where 6+ hours of sleep is a common thing instead of a weekend treat :)

Tell me about it! I usually don't hit the pillow till 3am then get right back up at 6:45 to get ready for work :crying2:

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I have been studying with kids for a while...Ideally, if time permits, I read the chapter 1st. If it doesn't put me to sleep, I then go back over my notes, w/ a separate notebook, and I make myself a test. I rewrite my notes in a very difficult question form and try to cover everything from a critical thinking perspective. Once I can answer the questions without looking everything up, then I feel prepared. I usually bring that notebook around with me in case I catch trains/bridges and study. Even better, if I can get someone to ask me the questions and explain the answers, I find that I will own the material, but overall, I study alone, and I usually make Bs, because I do have 2 small kids and just never spend as much time as I could on school work. By the way, when able, I study out loud, which does not allow my mind to wander when I'm reading my notes. :) Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Infusion.

My kids are both in school now, so that helps, gives me some quiet time. But I have stacks of books beside the bed, once I put them to bed at 730, I crawl into bed and read for a few hours most nights.

I've also picked up a digital recorder so I can read aloud and record the important info, then cut to a disk and listen to it in the car while your doing all your mommy errands.....with quizzes, or just chapter reading....So far I am pulling all A's....all this with mommy/hypothyroid brain (incredibly forgetful)....so it seems to be helping so far!

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Repetition works for me! I type up my notes form class..and then do online flashcards..and study the flashcards online all the time. If I can't get to them online..I print out my notes and carry that around with me.

The flashcards have worked WONDERS for me..

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