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BRITTANY
Student
Pevely, Missouri
1
Question
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For individuals re-entering college after an extended period, which study techniques are effective in a rigorous nursing curriculum?
It has been 20 years since the last time I was in school.
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1 answer
Joseph Melchi
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
10
Answers
Dublin, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I was a non-traditional student returning to school at 28. I think a lot depends on whether you are a full time student and/or need to work to support yourself while in school. Even as a full-time student, I really never felt I was spending even 40 hours a week on school classes (probably the average was more like 30-35), clinicals, reading and studying. Despite that, I was pretty successful in school; a lot of times, being older, more mature, is an advantage in terms of self-discipline and time management. Important measures I used and which assisted me:
1. Attend every class and ensure you are paying attention. You'd be shocked how many students are paying literally tens of thousands of dollars and spend class staring into their phones. Some of us need to be exposed to different ways of acquiring information, so hearing it out loud may be a part of your retention of knowledge.
2. Lecture slides are a good starting point for studying. While in class, I took notes (can be electronic or hand-written) on materials that WERENT in the slides but were mentioned by the instructor. Those are usually testable.
3. Read the assigned textbook readings. It's tedious and time-consuming but helpful in developing an understanding of the content. I for one never actually studied from the textbooks or believed in highlighting, but you do you. Again, you'd be shocked how many college students hardly ever crack a textbook (or electronic version thereof)
4. Repetition is key. I usually went through the notes and slides about three times per exam. Make sure this is done on different days so that a full night's sleep can help with retention. Avoid cramming.
5. Study with a group. Interactive study sessions can be really helpful. If you can explain concepts well to others, you are likely in a very good place as far as exam preparation.
1. Attend every class and ensure you are paying attention. You'd be shocked how many students are paying literally tens of thousands of dollars and spend class staring into their phones. Some of us need to be exposed to different ways of acquiring information, so hearing it out loud may be a part of your retention of knowledge.
2. Lecture slides are a good starting point for studying. While in class, I took notes (can be electronic or hand-written) on materials that WERENT in the slides but were mentioned by the instructor. Those are usually testable.
3. Read the assigned textbook readings. It's tedious and time-consuming but helpful in developing an understanding of the content. I for one never actually studied from the textbooks or believed in highlighting, but you do you. Again, you'd be shocked how many college students hardly ever crack a textbook (or electronic version thereof)
4. Repetition is key. I usually went through the notes and slides about three times per exam. Make sure this is done on different days so that a full night's sleep can help with retention. Avoid cramming.
5. Study with a group. Interactive study sessions can be really helpful. If you can explain concepts well to others, you are likely in a very good place as far as exam preparation.