Worried

SPJJMommy · Dec 4, 2010

I'm a mommy too (I have a 1 year old and a 2 year old), so I know how hard it can be to fit in study time (especially when it's the end of the day and you're exhausted!). Here are some of the things I do to make sure I succeed in my classes:

1) FLASH CARDS. This is my FAVORITE study technique! I can stare at a page of notes for 5 hours, but I won't retain anything unless I turn it into a little game... flash cards are how I do that. Take the contents of your notes and translate them on to your cards. This is a big help, especially when learning definitions (write the word on one side, and the definition on the other side). I'll also write a question on one side, something like "What is the name of the artery that supplies blood to the heart?" And that write the answer on the back. I give myself little points for all the ones I get right, and then I keep trying to improve my game. The cool thing about flash cards is you can take them anywhere... I keep mine in my purse, and take them out when I have some free time (like standing in a long line at the grocery store).

2. Visit your school's student services center (if they have one, and most of them seem to). Almost every school I went to offered free testing to see if you have any issues when it comes to your style of learning. If you do, they teach you ways to correct it. My alma mater even had free classes about how to study for success.

3. Ask for help. I'm not a single mom, but my husband does work about 60 hours per week, so I'm on my own a lot. Usually once or twice a week, I'll ask a family member to watch the babies for me while I take a couple of hours to study. I drive an hour every Thursday to mother in law's to drop the kids off for 2 hours... and I head to the closest Starbucks to get some uninterrupted study time. Hopefully you have some family and friends nearby that can help out!

4. CAFFEINE! I don't know how I would get through without it! LOL

Good luck!!! You can do it!

yelnikmcwawa · Dec 4, 2010

I would drop the class, if you still can, and then get a tutor for next semester! 2 failing grades in one of the most important science pre-reqs looks really bad on your transcripts. At least if you have 1 F, you can BS your way out of it and come up with some excuse when interviewing for NS school. But 2 F's just makes it look like you struggle too much. Good luck!

mangopeach · Dec 4, 2010

Have you ever taken one of those tests to see what kind of learner you are? I read the chapter to familiarize myself with the material and terms. But reading a chapter over and over would not have helped me retain the material. Index cards didn't help me either. I was more auditory and visual when it came to A&P. I needed to see how things worked so videos,animations,diagrams,labeling exercises were a big part of my study technique. I had the MarieB text and I loved the CD that came along with it. I used that ALOT!!!!! It had MP3 tutor sessions and I downloaded them and listened to them every chance I got. Youtube also is a great resource!!!

Here are some resources that I used when I did A&P

http://getbodysmart.com/

Videos and powerpoints

http://content.hccfl.edu/facultyinfo/nehringer/anatomypowerpoints.html

Animated tutorials

http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/skull/skulltt.htm

UC Berkeley has great videos on youtube as well. Youtube was my best friend during in A&P, lots of help on there

Mnemonics helped a lot as well. Look up medical Mnemonics!!

There's a thread in the pre-nursing section with lots of info for resources for A&P. They helped me tremendously.

forall · Dec 4, 2010

You guys are awesome! Just seeing your reply made my day! Unfortunately, I cant drop the class this second time we have 2 weeks left of college! So, it will end up being 2 f's! I actually after reading signed up for anatomy hourly tutor service next semester. At our college we dont have anatomy tutors. I do have to try flash cards and I do know I am very visual learner. If I see it then I can retain. Thank you again so much for your feedback! Just hearing this makes me feel better!

mangopeach · Dec 4, 2010

Be sure to check the repeat policy of your school or the schools you want to attend. At my school, you would have already shot yourself in the foot with 3 repeats. Some schools will let you replace the failing grade with a passing grade and they don't have a limit to how many times you repeat the course, while others might only allow 1 repeat. So be sure you know what the policy is.

roeth · Dec 4, 2010

I agree with mangopeach - try finding out what kind of learner you are. In many of my courses, the professors use only one approach by writing on the board/lecturing through a power point or have us read from textbooks. My style is visual. I draw things out and do better with a combination of pictures and words as opposed to just text all the time. Flash cards do help, but they're a pain the in the butt (for me, anyway) if you have a lot to study. Have you considered taking Anatomy/Physiology in different semesters? I did this and it really, really helped me. First I took Anatomy and then Physiology the following semester. Good luck!