How I Study For Exams | Build An A+ Study Habit
Hi there fellow students!!
I recently decided to go back to school to become a nurse! The first time I was in college, I would find myself struggling to have good study habits. This time around I wanted to make sure it was different.
After 3 months of trial and error, I have found a method that works for me! I wanted to share my study habits and methods to hopefully make your college days a little bit easier and less stressful!
✏️Before Lecture
I like to quickly skim and review the lecture slides and the material shared online.
Some professors also will include a blank outline of the lecture, and you can fill in the blanks.
If no outline is made, I will make my own by writing down the main topics or headers.
🏛️ During Lecture
If blank outlines are included, I will fill in the blanks throughout lecture. Or I will continue to type out notes and fill in my outline.
Other professors write notes and examples on the board, and I write all of those down or I will take a picture and write them down later.
Others won’t include anything but the slides. When this happens I try my best to write on the slides with my iPad.
⭐️ I have found that each professor and each lecture is different! I had to try different methods for each class the first couple of weeks before I found a good style for each class/professor!
📚 After Class
This is where you should spend the majority of your time. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE WEEK BEFORE EXAM! Studies show that studying in smaller increments over time allow your brain to retain the information. Additionally, studies show that if you cram before an exam, your brain will actually forget information you’ve already memorized!
The best way is dedicating 1 hour per class per day to study and review. But of course, give yourself breaks!!
Studying can include: watching videos, drawing diagrams, drawing tables, completing worksheets or working on practice problems! You can find plenty of free material online through Khan Academy, YouTube, and Google!
Hint hint! I will be posting my study materials 😉
Breaks should also be where you get up and walk away from your desk/table and the material! It is even better if you get fresh air and go outside!
BONUS: It is SUPER helpful and easy if you act like a tutor! Make your own worksheets and practice problems.
📝 1 Week Before The Exam
First, I like to review all of my material causally! Anything that I am not super confident on, I will spend more time and review closely.
Next, I will put all of my material away and complete a practice exam!! I treat this like it is a real exam. I will work on a practice exam in the same format that my professor will use!
Afterwards, I will grade the exam and see where I was wrong and review that material again.
Another way to test your knowledge is active recall! There are plenty of videos online explaining how to do active recall. I will take the learning objectives that are shared by the professor, then do a big brain dump on a piece of paper. I will then self-check to see if I’m right.
💤 Day Before Exam
DONT CRAM! I don’t want to loose anything after all my hard work…
RELAX! Do what you like! Watch a movie, sleep, take a bath, go for a walk, get a massage or do yoga!
SLEEP! Make sure you get a good night of sleep. I know this can be hard for some based on personal lives, but do your best!
EAT! Try to have a full stomach the night before and the morning of. You need brain fuel! And you don’t want to be distracted by a grumbling tummy!
💕 After the Exam
Don’t stress out! You can’t stress while you wait for your grade so just stay calm, and treat yourself!
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! I hope this helps!
Did I miss any tips? Share below 🥰
#nursingstudent #studyingtips #studyhabits #studygram #studyhack
Studying effectively is crucial, especially for nursing students facing rigorous curricula. Here are some key strategies to enhance your studying experience: 1. **Prioritize Active Learning**: Engage with the material by summarizing concepts in your own words, teaching them to a study buddy, or creating flashcards. This helps reinforce your understanding. 2. **Set a Consistent Study Schedule**: Dedicate specific times for studying and stick to it. Consistency improves retention as your brain becomes accustomed to learning at particular times. 3. **Utilize Various Resources**: Don't limit yourself to textbooks. Use videos, podcasts, and online resources like Khan Academy or Coursera to find different explanations of complex subjects. 4. **Create a Conducive Study Environment**: Find a quiet space free from distractions where you can focus. Make sure it's well-lit and has all necessary materials handy. 5. **Practice Self-Care**: Good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep lead to better cognitive function. Taking care of your body helps your mind work better. 6. **Incorporate Technology**: Use apps and tools for organization and reminders, making study sessions efficient. 7. **Focus on Exam Techniques**: Develop the habit of completing past exams under timed conditions, which prepares you for the actual exam day by improving your time management skills. 8. **Form Study Groups**: Collaborating with peers allows you to gain new perspectives and clarification on challenging concepts. 9. **Reflect and Adapt**: After each exam, reflect on what study techniques worked well and what didn’t, allowing you to adapt your strategies moving forward. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll not only enhance your learning process but also build a solid foundation for your nursing career!
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