What's your method of madness? Study tricks???

It's funny you mention studying. I just got finished and I have been studying for 6 hours. No kidding either. I just finished my first week in nursing school. I went to our "Jumpstart" info session before school started and I took their advice. I read the chapter through once. I read it again but make an outline based on the key chapter components. I leave space under each components to add notes from when I am in class. I know for me I will always read the chapter before class...always. I made flashcards today. I made them for vital sign ranges from adult to infant and for just about most of the information I read. I hope all of this helps me get a good grade on our first exam in 3 weeks!!!!

My best advice is to see what type of learner you are and go from there. It's the best thing I have done. I am fresh into the Nursing Program but I did better on my first exam (90%) then I have ever done on my exams in the past for my science classes anyway.

All my professors told us that the books can be a good supplementary source but that 99% of our test questions will come from the Power Points and lectures. Some people like to read ahead and that works great for them.

For me I found out what methods I should use and I go with that, I tape record my lectures and listen to those and follow along with my Power points or walk on my treadmill and listen and stuff and it works.

I've always tried to skim the material before lecture. Basically I speed read the chapter. After the lecture, I go back and read it a lot more carefully, focusing on the points my teacher stressed. I've found I process it faster and better when I vaguely know the material prior to lecture.

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Do whatever works for YOU. Each person is unique and learns in their own way.

Speaking of studying tricks. I seem to not study as much as I would like due to working full time and having 2 small kids at home. But when I do study, I just can't seem to recall any info, and I feel like, compared to other students in my class, like I'm really far behind. How can I study more and remember it better?

hi

Like others have said, I agree you'll find what works for you. Im half way through semester 2 and have just found 'my way' of doing things.

I skim read the chapter or chapters ahead of lecture so I have some idea about the lecture - If I don't have time (lets face it some chapters are 100pgs long, and some weeks are way to short) I read the lecture notes before lecture.

I don't type my notes till after lecture, that way I can read further, take extensive notes on whats needed.

Take care, and you'll find what works for you :-) Zoe

TONS of flashcards. I don't care what type of learner you are, where you come from, what you're studying, what you look like, what kind of music you listen to, or what color your face turns when you hold your breath; flash cards will help you every step of the way in nursing school. They're invaluable to me.

Oh, and make it fun. Quiz yourself in a way that makes it reasonably enjoyable. Boring studying = remembering nothing.

I read chapters, then re-read and highlight or write down things I think are key points. Then I type out all of these points, print them off and put them in a display folder. I take the display folder around with me on the train, while waiting for a friend somewhere, to bed, etc and try read and revise my notes as much as I can.

I find it easier than reading big chunks of text and trying to remember it all.

I thought I was the only one that couldn't recall what I read... I need help on that 2!!!!

TONS of flashcards. I don't care what type of learner you are, where you come from, what you're studying, what you look like, what kind of music you listen to, or what color your face turns when you hold your breath; flash cards will help you every step of the way in nursing school. They're invaluable to me.

Oh, and make it fun. Quiz yourself in a way that makes it reasonably enjoyable. Boring studying = remembering nothing.

Funny enough I don't use flash cards and I seem to do fine. Again, it depends on how you learn best. They work great for YOU it doesn't mean they work great for everyone. The ONLY thing I might use them for is Pharmacology and because that is a lot of memorization.

As previously stated, you have to find what works for you.

With that said, my own method of madness is to skim the chapters before class. After class, I do a more thorough reading and make an outline combining my notes from class and important info from the reading. While I do the outline, I study the info bit by bit and don't move on until I know it completely.

If I have the a partner to help me study, I'll make note cards instead of an outline. In addition, I find it helpful to talk out loud when studying to grab my boyfriend and make him listen to me explain a concept (like fetal circulation). It's helpful to do review questions at the end of chapters and in study guides. Also, I use Saunder's NCLEX review for reviewing and extra practice questions.

I've noticed that I'm a little anal when studying though. Most of my classmates just read the book and study the power points and that works for them. I need somehting a little more intense.

i find that I retain better information if i actually write out my notes after the lectures. Some students retype their notes, however, the act of writing out important info helps me understand/memorize it.

Reading ahead of time or parts i didn't understand helps as well. I review the questions at the end of each chapter/section. I usually find the correct answers with the matching DVD the textbook comes in. I then put sticky notes next to the question with the correct answer. It helps me ~comprehend~ what i just read.