I am a busy mom trying to find time to study, so I need to make the most of my study time. I am struggling with finding *the* best way to make the most of my study time due to the sheer volumes of information the school wants me to know for each test. So, I wanted to ask, "How do you study for tests?"
I've tried typing up all my notes and end up with 22 pages on average of info. to learn/apply for each test. I also do flashcards for terms and end up with about 200 of those for each test. Despite this, I'm still struggling to stay on top of it all. I get that they want us to apply critical thinking, but truly, if we got down the material beforehand, the critical thinking would come more naturally because we already have down the components making up that test question (knowledge, terms, policies, etc.). I'm struggling with getting *all* of it down before a test because of the vast volume of info. they want us to learn/understand before each one. I just wish school moved a little slower!!
I would welcome any and all ideas of how *you* study and what seems to be efficient techniques! Thanks a bunch!
Last test I got a B by purely focusing on rationales. The reason why the answers were wrong and also the reasons why the right answers were right. Don't just read the rationale for the correct option. You need to know the others too.
Just reading material won't get you the critical thinking needed for NCLEX and real life.
And also.. never ever forget this is your only client, everything you need is at the bed side, ABCs first, Maslow's hierarchy, patient centered answers, know when to call the HCP, nursing interventions vs collaborative vs independent vs non nursing interventions (medical), and read what the questions is asking you! Even if an answer sounds so right out of the 4 possible, make sure that answer addresses what the question wants to know!
I read through the chapter focusing on a section at a time. I then study the power points from class for that section at the same time I'm studying the book. I also write down everything I can that the teacher says. I've realized that on questions I'm unsure of on the test if I just pick the answer that contains something the teacher mentioned I get it right. Then I get to school about an hour before the test and focus on the workbook that came with my text. It's just a general review of each chapter. I never do note cards or type out any notes. We have about 2 to 3 tests a week and I haven't failed one yet. :)
After reading a chapter, doing the review questions and critical thinking questions is a good way to test your learning. I use a timer because sometimes I will find myself having studied for only one course the entire day! Depending on your course load maybe two classes a day to study for or whatever you think you could handle. Flashcards help as well especially if you're taking Pharm! Recording lectures can be beneficial at times as well. Saying things outloud and repetition helps me as well.
And always make sure you understand what you are reading. Don't just memorize. If I understand what a particular disease is doing to the body, I don't have to memorize the treatments, or the signs and symptoms because when you understand the "what" (disease process), you will understand the "why" (the s/sx, treatments, etc). I rarely ever read the entire chapter of any book and I maintain great grades with very little effort compared to my cohort.
I heard if you record your lectures that helps alot. Just buy a recorder and relisten to your lectures as you do things around the house. You'll be studying and you dont even know it!
For one, I make my own outline of each chapter with microsoft word. I cannot just study from the book like that. I need everything outlined and I bold and italicized things I feel are important
Then once I do that, I read the notes, and then close my eyes for like 10-30 minute trying to memorize and understand what the chapter is about. I am constantly opening and closing my eyes to see if I have ingrained what I just read. this is practice. I do this for two pages at a time & keep doing this all day long until I know each chapter word for word. Or I will rewrite some of the key points in my own words that makes it easy for me to memorize and understand. sometimes textbooks try to get all sophisticated when they could have explained things in a much more simple way.
this is why I like to study alone because ppl will look at me weird for sitting there with notes in my hands and my eyes closed. lol
I read each chapter BEFORE lecture. I highlight the important things while I'm reading, and during class lecture on the powerpoint/handouts. When I go back to study, I re-read the chapters while taking my own notes. Sometimes I write certain topics over & over again until it sticks. This has seemed to work best for me; I'm definitely a read/write learner. Definitely NOT an audio learner.. it goes one ear & out the other for me. Everyone learns differently.. the trick is finding out what works best for you. For example, some people are very visual and learn by flashcards.. this might work for them, but for me I feel like I don't learn as much with flashcards.
I also do a lot of practice quizzes, NCLEX questions, and review questions from our book and from websites.
What really helps me is to record the lectures. Once I record them, I upload them onto the computer, print out the power point, and take notes as I go. If I miss something important, I can just rewind and play it again. I've even put the lectures on a CD and played them in my car. I have a 30+ minute drive to campus and clinical, so it's perfect to play them during your drive.
I read the chapter(s) before lecture, print off the power point that accompanies the lectures, and then during class, take notes on the power point. It really helps me to read before going to lecture. That way, everything you go over in class is like a review.
I also really like flashcards. They've always worked well for me. Some people hate them, but I think they really help. I think they work well when studying different types of drugs. I make drug cards with the drug name on one side, and then the drug class, side effects, dosage, etc on the other.
Hi, Im from Chile and here I have a lot of techniques for study. I use a recorder in every class and then I writte the class in a word page. Of course, you need so much time, but is a very usefull technique. The recorder help me to pass an important test and i have a great calification! Good luck!
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JustKeepSmiling, ADN, BSN, RN
290 Posts
Last test I got a B by purely focusing on rationales. The reason why the answers were wrong and also the reasons why the right answers were right. Don't just read the rationale for the correct option. You need to know the others too.
Just reading material won't get you the critical thinking needed for NCLEX and real life.
And also.. never ever forget this is your only client, everything you need is at the bed side, ABCs first, Maslow's hierarchy, patient centered answers, know when to call the HCP, nursing interventions vs collaborative vs independent vs non nursing interventions (medical), and read what the questions is asking you! Even if an answer sounds so right out of the 4 possible, make sure that answer addresses what the question wants to know!