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!
I use what's called an exposure chart. Sounds weird, but serves a purpose!
For each chapter on your exam you should have AT LEAST 5 exposures to that material to make a C. I just made a chart in Excel with all the topics for the test and as I covered the material I put a check mark next to the subject. I have made all A's in my Fundamentals class doing this. Hope that helps
Specializes in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, ER, Geriatrics.
i use what's called an exposure chart. sounds weird, but serves a purpose!
for each chapter on your exam you should have at least 5 exposures to that material to make a c. i just made a chart in excel with all the topics for the test and as i covered the material i put a check mark next to the subject. i have made all a's in my fundamentals class doing this. hope that helps
:)
this sounds like a really good idea, but was wondering if you could expand on this chart that you make. do you think you could supply us with an example?
thank you in advance and congrats :yeah:on your fundamentals grades. keep up the good work.
-Pretend I'm going to have teach it to someone else. This "someone else" could be your kid, your dog, a stuffed animal, your mirror...
-Make a song about the subject. Sing it to yourself in the shower.
-I agree with reading the chapter before the lecture and do all the problems in the chapter if any. I read the chapter then skim it and take "handwritten" notes of the chapter to give me a rough overview for a future cumulative final exam.
this sounds like a really good idea, but was wondering if you could expand on this chart that you make. do you think you could supply us with an example?
thank you in advance and congrats :yeah:on your fundamentals grades. keep up the good work.
check your email :)
i would have linked to it here but it's an excel spreadsheet and it won't allow me to upload it.
Hi there. I know your dilemma. I am the mother of 3 and I'm currently doing an Accelerated BSN program. It is a tremendous amount of information to learn. I do make up study guides from my notes/power points and they are usually somewhere between 20 -30 pages. Some of the people in my class have started to split up the study guide, do their part, and then compile it together to share. I tried this once and I did well on the test, but I feel like I get the information into my head better when I take the time to do it myself.
I do NOT use flash cards except for strict medical terminology memorization. They seem to be a waste of time otherwise. All you learn is the small detail, not the larger picture. My biggest piece of advice is to listen extremely well in class, sit in the front, and ask questions. If you can get the concept completely, it is so much easier to fit the small pieces. For me, understanding the concept has been key to answering the critical thinking questions. If you understand the physiology of the disease of the medication, etc., you will be able to apply everything else easier. As a mom, you use critical thinking every day. Don't let the tests freak you out. If you are overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, then proceed. As my friend says, "The correct answer is right in front of you. All you have to do is pick it."
First I read the chapters. I don't spend a lot of time pouring over the material in the book and I don't highlight because the whole book would be yellow, lol. I print out the power points and take notes on that during the lecture. I don't record the lecture but may record some of the harder ones like acid- base balances. I also print out the instructors notes for the power points. Then I get out my syllabus and do the unit objectives. I look them up and type out the answers. I also do the prep points in the workbook that goes along with our text. When it's time to study, all I have is a binder with my power points, the instructors notes and my typed up unit objectives in it. The week before the exam I look over this material two or three times a day for about an hour each time. I also do the practice NCLEX questions from the textbook and from the Saunders Review. Studying in short bursts like this has worked really well for me. NO cramming, which doesn't work anyway. All A's so far :0)
-record each lecture in case the instructor talks faster than i can write, then i can go back later & fill in the gaps
-read the assignment before each lecture
-print out any powerpoints ahead of time; although ours are usually rather lengthy, so lately i make them into outlines which are easier for me to organize
--then i highlight relevant facts ("remember this" or "you need to know this")
-highlight in the book, things discussed in the lecture, so when I read the book after lecture i hit the main points
Then, I do the questions in the back of each section AND work in the N-CLEX book (I use Saunders). If there are labs, I read my lab book and understand the why's of each lab test & write down the values in my outline
Like a previous poster said, you should find out what kind of learner you are. If you are an auditory learner, then record your lectures & listen to them over & over and say your topics/notes/etc out loud. If you are a kinesetic learner, walk around & move while saying things out loud. A visual learner can re-read everything & use flash cards.
If you find a sticking point, try to narrow down WHY. Is it the anatomy, or are you getting stuck on the critical thinking part (i.e. application)? There is a big jump from point A (anatomy) to point B (application/critical thinking) and understanding how to apply what you are learning to application questions is important.
Last, break your sessions into chunks. As a mom, I can't study in great big sessions but have to grab 20-90 minute sessions. I study and capitalize on these chunks. If you look for spans of time throughout your day (and on the weekend) you will find them. Put a review book or some notes in the bathroom (i'm not kidding), bring them into the doctor's office & read in the waiting room, read a few minutes before bed, etc. Accumulation of reading adds up.
And try to stay off myspace, facebook, etc and away from the tv-they are the biggest stealers of time. If you can't then set a timer for 5-10 minutes and when it dings, shut them down & hit the books again.
I'm a busy mom of 4. I also work part time when I'm in Nursing school. What works for me is the flash card and CD. I'm always on the go. I only read once and I record important topics as I'm reading. I use 2 colors of highlighter, 1 for the main topic, 1 for supporting details. If I have a question, I use a pencil & write on the side of the book. When I start my housechores, the tape/CD is on. I stick some of the flash card on the fridge so I'll read it everytime I open it or pass by. CD is on while I pick up my kids from school or from their activities. Create a pnemonic device or whatever interest you like music,poetry,etc. and applied what you study. Allnurses have a group whose taking NCLEX and you can learn a lot from them eventhough you're currently a student. Ask your teacher questions you don't understand. I tried to be in group but it doesn't work for me although it could help you. Diagrams is also a big help. Draw a human figure and mark the affected area. Also, tried to relate to NCLEX book of your choice (Saunders/Lippincot helps me).
Goodluck and wish you well in Nursing school! Believe in yourself! Nothing is impossible! You can do it!
starmickey03, thank you soooo much for that VARK test. It was very useful to me, and it seems right in terms of showing the ways I understand information the best.
Best thin in the world is a Panasonic digital recorder with fast speed .record Ur teachers lecture. Listen to it in fast speed while u r doin home chores it'll help u remembrances and make sure u don't miss anything. It's amazing .study while driving cooking etc
My biggest piece of advice is to listen extremely well in class, sit in the front, and ask questions. If you can get the concept completely, it is so much easier to fit the small pieces. For me, understanding the concept has been key to answering the critical thinking questions. If you understand the physiology of the disease of the medication, etc., you will be able to apply everything else easier. As a mom, you use critical thinking every day. Don't let the tests freak you out. If you are overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, then proceed. As my friend says, "The correct answer is right in front of you. All you have to do is pick it."
NICURN2013
88 Posts
TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THIS!! I wish I could turn my internet off every night for a couple hours!! I hate it! :/