November 30, 2008
Now that you’ve made the decision to attend medical or nursing training, it’s going to be important that you have the tools to be successful in your education. Many of the training opportunities you are likely to find are going to be intensive. That means the information you will receive in the classroom may be condensed or given to you at an accelerated pace. This usually translates into having to do more studying at home. Most of us have not been in a training atmosphere since high school. Here are some study tips designed to help you get the most from your study time:
- Set aside a study area. It’s preferable to have a study area that is separate from common areas of the living space in order to maximize privacy. The study area should be a quiet place, relatively free of distraction.
- Organize your study space. When you sit down to study you should have all of your tools and materials readily available. Reference books, calculators, staplers, and pencils all need to be within your grasp. Invest in file organizers or whatever else you may need to maintain a clear study area.
- Let your roommates or family know that study time is precious and is a “do not disturb” time for you. Distractions such as telephone calls and loud noise from stereos or the television need to be absolutely minimized. Turn off your cell phone and if your study space is at your computer desk, turn off the computer so you will not be tempted to engage the internet.
- Set a study routine. If possible, designate a specific time each day devoted to studying. Try and keep it the same time every day. Developing a study habit will make it easier to avoid procrastination.
A word about study groups
Most of the time, studying is a solitary sport. The reading and memorization necessary to complete an assignment or pass a test is best accomplished on your own. With that said, there are some folks who get more out of studying when they can study with others. Also, there are times when a special assignment or large exam is coming up and these situations lend themselves well to a group study session or two.
Study group cautions
- Stay on task. If the study session turns into a social session, then no one benefits.
- Assign a task master to keep everyone on track.
- Don’t let strong personalities buffalo members into believing or studying incorrect material.
- If the group study session turns into a laugh and scratch session, don’t be afraid to leave.
Use these study tips as a foundation for your studying habits. Once your foundation is solid you can figure out a routine that works best for you.
