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What are some good study practices ?
I am a senior in high school attending college as a nursing major and my study methods are a hit or miss, so what are some new study practices to help me in college>
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Doc’s Answer
Sanai if you’ve ever grappled with the vast volume of information that needs to be absorbed and retained during your nursing studies, PQRST could be a great study tool for you. The tried-and-tested PQRST study method (Preview, Question, Read, Summarize, Test) can make a difference in your learning experience by helping you absorb, understand, and retrieve information more effectively.
THE PQRST STUDY METHOD
• PREVIEW — The initial step is to skim through the entire study material and get a gist of what it contains. This isn’t about reading the text word by word, but rather about previewing headings, subheadings, bullet points, diagrams, charts, or summaries. This pre-reading step helps you to establish a framework for the new information that you are about to learn.
• QUESTION — Translate each heading or subheading in your reading material into a question. For instance, if your heading is “The Human Respiratory System,” your question could be “What is the human respiratory system and how does it function?” This way, you’re setting yourself up for active learning by seeking answers, instead of passively reading the text. Questions stimulate curiosity and focus your attention on key details as you read.
• READ — The third step is to ‘Read’ the material thoroughly. However, now you’re not just reading, you’re actively looking for answers to the questions you’ve previously formulated. By doing so, you’re engaging your brain more deeply, resulting in better comprehension and retention. Don’t rush through this step; take your time and make sure you understand the material before moving on.
• SUMMARIZE — After reading a section, take a moment to explain what you’ve just learned, either in writing or verbally. This step involves restating the material in your own words, which reinforces your understanding of the concepts. If you’re unable to summarize a point, it may indicate that you need to revisit the material for better understanding. Document page numbers for critical information such as charts, maps, or tables so they are easy to locate when you revisit the material.
• TEST — This is the step where you evaluate your comprehension and recall of the material. Answer the questions you created at the beginning of the study session. Doing so not only helps to cement the knowledge, but also makes you aware of any gaps in your understanding. If there are areas you struggle with, it’s a signal to give extra attention in reviewing those sections.
CONCLUSION
The PQRST method can save you hours of re-reading by encouraging effective study techniques. It might seem like a long process initially, but as you become accustomed to it, you’ll likely find it as a natural and efficient way to study. This method isn’t restricted to academic studies either. Whether you’re learning a new skill, understanding a complex concept, or even preparing for a presentation at work, PQRST can help. The purpose of this method is to understand the material, not memorize it. Be patient with yourself, take breaks as needed, and don’t rush the process. Quality learning takes time and effort, and in the end it will all be worth it.
Hope this helps Sanai, Good Luck
THE PQRST STUDY METHOD
• PREVIEW — The initial step is to skim through the entire study material and get a gist of what it contains. This isn’t about reading the text word by word, but rather about previewing headings, subheadings, bullet points, diagrams, charts, or summaries. This pre-reading step helps you to establish a framework for the new information that you are about to learn.
• QUESTION — Translate each heading or subheading in your reading material into a question. For instance, if your heading is “The Human Respiratory System,” your question could be “What is the human respiratory system and how does it function?” This way, you’re setting yourself up for active learning by seeking answers, instead of passively reading the text. Questions stimulate curiosity and focus your attention on key details as you read.
• READ — The third step is to ‘Read’ the material thoroughly. However, now you’re not just reading, you’re actively looking for answers to the questions you’ve previously formulated. By doing so, you’re engaging your brain more deeply, resulting in better comprehension and retention. Don’t rush through this step; take your time and make sure you understand the material before moving on.
• SUMMARIZE — After reading a section, take a moment to explain what you’ve just learned, either in writing or verbally. This step involves restating the material in your own words, which reinforces your understanding of the concepts. If you’re unable to summarize a point, it may indicate that you need to revisit the material for better understanding. Document page numbers for critical information such as charts, maps, or tables so they are easy to locate when you revisit the material.
• TEST — This is the step where you evaluate your comprehension and recall of the material. Answer the questions you created at the beginning of the study session. Doing so not only helps to cement the knowledge, but also makes you aware of any gaps in your understanding. If there are areas you struggle with, it’s a signal to give extra attention in reviewing those sections.
CONCLUSION
The PQRST method can save you hours of re-reading by encouraging effective study techniques. It might seem like a long process initially, but as you become accustomed to it, you’ll likely find it as a natural and efficient way to study. This method isn’t restricted to academic studies either. Whether you’re learning a new skill, understanding a complex concept, or even preparing for a presentation at work, PQRST can help. The purpose of this method is to understand the material, not memorize it. Be patient with yourself, take breaks as needed, and don’t rush the process. Quality learning takes time and effort, and in the end it will all be worth it.
Hope this helps Sanai, Good Luck
Thank you so much for the advice
Sanai
Updated
Jayden’s Answer
Hi there! First of all, it’s awesome that you’re already thinking about improving your study habits before starting college — that kind of mindset will set you up for success, especially in a tough major like nursing!
Here are some study practices that can really help:
Active recall: Instead of just re-reading notes, quiz yourself on the material. Try to recall information from memory first, then check your notes. This helps strengthen your brain’s ability to retrieve information when you need it (like on tests!).
Spaced repetition: Don’t cram! Instead, review material over multiple sessions spaced out over days or weeks. It’s scientifically proven to help you remember more, longer.
Teach it back: Pretend you’re teaching the material to someone else. Explaining complex ideas in your own words forces you to truly understand them (not just memorize them).
Use Notebook LM: This is a newer tool you might love! You can upload your lecture notes and it will actually turn them into a podcast you can listen to while you walk, drive, or work out. Plus, you can ask the "podcasters" questions to make sure you’re retaining and understanding the material — it’s like having a study buddy on-demand!
Prioritize understanding, not just memorizing: Especially in nursing, you’ll need to apply information, not just memorize it. When you study, focus on asking yourself why things work the way they do, not just what they are.
Mix up your environments: Studying in different places (like the library, a coffee shop, or a quiet corner) can actually help your brain make stronger connections with the material.
And remember: finding the right study methods takes some trial and error. What matters is sticking with it, adjusting when something doesn’t work, and giving yourself time to improve.
You’re already on the right path — and you’re going to do great!
Here are some study practices that can really help:
Active recall: Instead of just re-reading notes, quiz yourself on the material. Try to recall information from memory first, then check your notes. This helps strengthen your brain’s ability to retrieve information when you need it (like on tests!).
Spaced repetition: Don’t cram! Instead, review material over multiple sessions spaced out over days or weeks. It’s scientifically proven to help you remember more, longer.
Teach it back: Pretend you’re teaching the material to someone else. Explaining complex ideas in your own words forces you to truly understand them (not just memorize them).
Use Notebook LM: This is a newer tool you might love! You can upload your lecture notes and it will actually turn them into a podcast you can listen to while you walk, drive, or work out. Plus, you can ask the "podcasters" questions to make sure you’re retaining and understanding the material — it’s like having a study buddy on-demand!
Prioritize understanding, not just memorizing: Especially in nursing, you’ll need to apply information, not just memorize it. When you study, focus on asking yourself why things work the way they do, not just what they are.
Mix up your environments: Studying in different places (like the library, a coffee shop, or a quiet corner) can actually help your brain make stronger connections with the material.
And remember: finding the right study methods takes some trial and error. What matters is sticking with it, adjusting when something doesn’t work, and giving yourself time to improve.
You’re already on the right path — and you’re going to do great!
Thanks for the help.
Sanai
Updated
Karla’s Answer
I used to record myself and then listen to those recordings. It is more effective for assessments in which you need to memorize information. Regarding the fields in which understanding is pivotal I used to create diagrams to summarize and "rank" the information so my brain could process it in a more smooth way
Thank you, Karla!
Sanai
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
-Try the Pomodoro Technique
study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer 20–30 minute break. It helps prevent burnout and keeps your mind fresh.
-Make summaries or study notes in your own words. This helps you truly understand the material, not just memorize it.
-Practice, practice, practice
use flashcards (like Quizlet), do mock quizzes, and teach the material to someone else. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn.
-Listen to soft music like lofi while you study. It creates a calm, focused atmosphere and makes studying feel less heavy.
study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer 20–30 minute break. It helps prevent burnout and keeps your mind fresh.
-Make summaries or study notes in your own words. This helps you truly understand the material, not just memorize it.
-Practice, practice, practice
use flashcards (like Quizlet), do mock quizzes, and teach the material to someone else. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn.
-Listen to soft music like lofi while you study. It creates a calm, focused atmosphere and makes studying feel less heavy.
Thanks for this method
Sanai
Updated
Arabela’s Answer
Hello Jayden
First of all, it would be great if you check the way you learn. This information below, it's something that i found, and is very effective.
According to Glasser’s pyramid structure:
We learn and assimilate only 10% when we simply read the proposed content.
When we listen, learning is 20% of what we are taught.
When we observe we are able to assimilate 30% of the determined subject. And by observing and listening at the same time,
We reach 50% of the possibility of retention on the matter.
When discussion, debate and interaction with our colleagues takes place, we increase our assimilation capacity by 70%.
And when we get our hands dirty (writing, summarizing, practicing …) we reach the 80% mark.
Our learning reaches its full potential when we teach each other; we reach 95% of our mastery of a given subject. This is where the real difference lies: teaching so that the content is learned as effectively as possible.
First of all, it would be great if you check the way you learn. This information below, it's something that i found, and is very effective.
According to Glasser’s pyramid structure:
We learn and assimilate only 10% when we simply read the proposed content.
When we listen, learning is 20% of what we are taught.
When we observe we are able to assimilate 30% of the determined subject. And by observing and listening at the same time,
We reach 50% of the possibility of retention on the matter.
When discussion, debate and interaction with our colleagues takes place, we increase our assimilation capacity by 70%.
And when we get our hands dirty (writing, summarizing, practicing …) we reach the 80% mark.
Our learning reaches its full potential when we teach each other; we reach 95% of our mastery of a given subject. This is where the real difference lies: teaching so that the content is learned as effectively as possible.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Sanai
Updated
Iñigo’s Answer
Hello Sanai,
I faced similar doubts during my engineering studies. Here's what helped me:
- Find Your Best Study Tim*: I discovered I learned better in the afternoon and evening. I adjusted my schedule to focus on exercises during the day and studying later, which improved my grades.
- Take Breaks: When overwhelmed, I took breaks to chat with friends or play sports. This refreshed my mind and motivated me to continue studying.
- Summarize Information out of the books: I created my own summaries and diagrams to organize information. This made it easier to review before exams and clarified my thoughts.
- Ask for Help: I shared my questions with classmates while studying and sought help from professors when needed. Don't hesitate to do the same.
I faced similar doubts during my engineering studies. Here's what helped me:
- Find Your Best Study Tim*: I discovered I learned better in the afternoon and evening. I adjusted my schedule to focus on exercises during the day and studying later, which improved my grades.
- Take Breaks: When overwhelmed, I took breaks to chat with friends or play sports. This refreshed my mind and motivated me to continue studying.
- Summarize Information out of the books: I created my own summaries and diagrams to organize information. This made it easier to review before exams and clarified my thoughts.
- Ask for Help: I shared my questions with classmates while studying and sought help from professors when needed. Don't hesitate to do the same.
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Hello Sanai.
It's awesome that you're thinking ahead. You are already noticing that your methods are hit or miss. Here are study practices that work especially well for college-level courses like nursing:
Teach it out loud
Study in focused blocks (Pomodoro method)
Organize your semester
Studying with classmates can be powerful if everyone’s focused. Use group time for discussions, practice questions, or teaching each other—not just re-reading notes together.
Hope it works!
It's awesome that you're thinking ahead. You are already noticing that your methods are hit or miss. Here are study practices that work especially well for college-level courses like nursing:
Teach it out loud
Study in focused blocks (Pomodoro method)
Organize your semester
Studying with classmates can be powerful if everyone’s focused. Use group time for discussions, practice questions, or teaching each other—not just re-reading notes together.
Hope it works!
Updated
Claudia V.’s Answer
Clear your mind with some simple deep breathing exercise to help you focus.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Sanai