What are your study techniques?

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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'm taking A&P I & II, what I do is to read the chapters at least twice, thrice and I'm good. In my study group, we take turns explaining concepts to each other as if we were the lecturer, it does help a lot as I tend to remember things I say aloud. Juvenile, but it works for me. :D Also someone might explain something to you better than the lecturer in a more casual environment.

Btw, I have a new-found admiration for RNs! The things you have to learn...and I'm no where (I'm applying to Nursing school next year), I'm surprised they don't call you guys doctors already, lol! :yeah:

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

:)

Great! Can I please get a copy of that?

I really need help studying, especially with A&P2. We go over so much, and meet 2 days a week, by the time we have an exam,the first thing we covered, we will have gone over a month ago, its all about rentention for me, would you send me the excel chart, anything that will help me would be appreciated.

I would love to see this spread sheet! If you could send it to me I would greatly appreciate it! I need all the help I can get to make it through this quarter! :} [email protected]

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

:)

Hi, If it is possible would you please send me the sample of your chart in Excel. I am trying to find the best technique for studing too.:uhoh3: I really appreciate your time. Thank you very much! [email protected]

Specializes in Hemodialysis.
sarahjuly what exactly NCLEX books are you using? I am also struggling with these assessment, clinical type questions and was thinking that NCLEX books might help but wasn't sure which ones to choose.

I don't know if you got this answered because I'm just skimming through the topics here. I use the actual NCLEX-4000 computer disk and ATI modules our school uses. There are also good books out there in the "Success" series that I picked up at Barnes and Noble (Fundamentals Success, Med Surg Success...) and it's nothing BUT questions and rationales. Now, I'm not saying that the questions are going to be exactly what is on your test, but what I've found is I can narrow my focus on what I need to refresh and study up on before a test by going through all those different things and finding out what content I'm missing questions on. Hope that helps!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Surgical Post-Trauma, Peds.
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

:)

I would love this as well!!!Please!! It sounds like a great idea!!!

I tried to look up an exposure chart an couldn't find anything. Can you explain how it is done? Or send an example to [email protected]. Thanks so much!!

I tried to look up an exposure chart an couldn't find anything. Can you explain how it is done? Or send an example to [email protected]. Thanks so much!!

I couldn't either. Can you please send it to me as well? [email protected] Thanks a lot!

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

:)

I would really love to see an example of this?

Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

1) Google Learning styles.... some of the sites even have short test to determine your study type. some people are auditory learners. I was visual and tactile.

Specializes in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, ER, Geriatrics.

this is the exposure chart that she sent me. i was unable to upload an exel file so here is what you do.

on top put the following catagories:

reading objectives study group lecture notes

along the side of the page put these catagories:

nursing dx

oxygen

cardiac

pain

client education

i hope that helps everyone who wants a copy of the chart.

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