Unit I Part C: Learning

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Unit I Part CLearning Retaining Information

• Julie E. Davis BSN, RN

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Introduction

• Lack of study skills is leading cause for failure
• Dont assume you have study skills just because
  you have attended college
• First, get organized
• Set priorities keep your eye on the goal
• Second, realize that learning is hard work
• Study skills are like other skills, they come
  with practice

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Concentration

• Ability to keep your mind on task
• Distractors can be
• Externalenvironmental causes
• Internalcauses from within

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External Distractors

• Occur in your physical social environment
• Study area
• Lighting
• Background Noise
• Internet (not staying on task)
• Others (peers, family, etc.)

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Internal Distractors

• Come from inside you
• Fatigue
• Daydreaming
• Illness
• Worry

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Listening

• Passive Listening
• Receives sound
• Does not comprehend (understand)
• Is often distracted

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Listening

• Active Listening
• Thinking about what is being said
• Trying to comprehend info
• Paying full attention
• Curious
• Asking questions

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Hints for Active Listening

• Be well rested
• Complete readings/assignments before class
• Stay focused on what is happening
• Ask questions
• Make eye contact
• Listen when others speak
• Seek help clarify

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Note-Taking

• Focus is on writing (not understanding)
• Interferes w/ listening
• Is exhausting

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Note-Making

• Never try to write every word
• Condense information (abbrev.)
• Goal is to understand, not memorize
• Dont use traditional shorthand (dev. your own)
• Later, try to comprehend notes rewrite them in
  condensed form

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Note-Making Methods Outlining

• Outlining
• Popular w/ left brain people
• Similar to PowerPoint notes
• Might be helpful to design main topics for
  outline the night before
• Fill in actual notes on topic during class

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Note-Making MethodsMapping

• Mapping
• Great for right brain learners ( visual)
• Takes practice
• Helps establish relationship b/w ideas
• Put main idea (topic) in center or at top
• Subtopics should branch off of main topic
• Ideas about each sub-topic should branch off from
  the corresponding sub-topic

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Mapping Sample
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Reading Assignments

• PQRST
• Previewlayout of chapter read headings
• Questionformulate questions/curiosity about
  topic read questions _at_ end of chap.
• Readactually read through for comprehension
  begin designing outline topics
• Staterepeat info in your own words
• Test test yourself before real test

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Visual Strategies

• Draw pictures
• Use color
• Mental imagery (picture it)

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Causes of Forgetting

• Negative attitude (no motivation)
• New knowledge interferes w/ recall of old
• Old knowledge interferes w/ comprehension of new
• Mostly because it was never understood stored
  in the first place

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From Temporary to Permanent

• Must form neural traces for recall
• Seek out key concepts
• Alternate short study short rest periods
• Use as many senses as possible

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Memory Aids

• Mnemonic devices
• Rhymes
• Acronyms (AP, Try-Me)
• Be careful...these will help you memorize but
  wont help you understand!

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Test Preparation

• Start preparing early
• Clarify content
• Review bits pieces frequently
• Use time-management skills

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Test-Taking

• Dont get rattled
• Keep positive attitude
• Do not cram
• Get rest the night before
• Eat something!
• After the test...always try to find out what you
  missed.... more importantly why you missed it!

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Testing Hints Multiple Choice

• ALWAYS read the instructions
• Read question ( repeat)
• Make sure you understand what it is asking
• Try to formulate answer on your own
• Look down for your answer
• Remember subject matter focus
• Eliminate all that you can

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Testing Hints Short Answer/ Essay

• Read instructions
• Read question ( repeat)
• Be sure you understand what its asking
• Think before you write
• Write complete sentences
• Provide as much information about topic as
  possible

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True/False Questions

• Easy for teachers to write
• Students feel they have a 50/50 chance of getting
  them correct
• Careful, unhurried reading can help you get these
  questions correct
• Dont let a statement that seems to be true
  confuse you with what you know.

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Managing Test Anxiety

• Avoid negative self-talk
• Get a good nights sleep
• Eat
• Arrive early
• Remember...the more you have studied prepare,
  the more confident you will naturally be!

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References

• Anderson, M. (2005). Nursing leadership,
  management, and professional practice for the
  LPN/LVN In nursing school and beyond. (3rd Ed.).
  Philadelphia FA Davis. (Chapter 5)
• Hill, S. Howlett, H. (2005). Success in
  practical/vocational nursing from student to
  leader. (5th Ed.). St. Louis Elsevier Saunders.