Greetings once again, I hope all is well.
In this post we will be continuing with the nursing series.
Today, I would like to talk about preparing for classes. I personally will be returning to classes online because of the current pandemic.
I know that this process will differ for many depending on whether you will be returning face to face or online. However, I am positive that there will be something in this post that will be of use to you, no matter how you will be returning this semester.
Now, let’s get into it. (Also, if there is something that you do to help you get ready for school, let me know).
New Semester
Starting a new semester can be stressful, so I like to take a few days to get myself ready to go back to school.
1.
Supplies: I like to take inventory of the things I have and figure out what I will be needing. Because I will be returning online, my shopping list looks a little different this year.
Last semester when my college switched to online, I realized that I did not use my notebooks as much because I typed things, thus I am hoping to go paperless-maybe not 100% but as close to it as possible.
Thus, I want to make sure that I have a good laptop stand, a comfortable enough chair, and a clean hard surface to work on.
Additionally, I will be using my headphones, my glasses, and my ipad/tablet.
I am currently in the market for a new blue-tooth mouse (If you have any suggestions, please let me know).
Should I need pen and paper, I also have my old notebooks with plenty of blank leaves left, pens, and my highlighters etc. I encourage you to use what you have.
2.
My study area will also have to be more adept as I will be spending more time here. A few weeks ago, I rearranged the area to make more use of the space that I had.
I also added new pictures and a plant. (If you would like, I could make a study area tour).
3.
Zooming/study spots. Spending too much time around my desk area may get boring, thus, I have mapped out a few other spaces within my environment to change it up. If you can do this, I would suggest it, but if you cannot, then just work with what you have.
4.
Syllabus & Books. This is were your hands get dirty. If you are able to do this before class, I would encourage you to read through your syllabi and make a note of the class rules, what is expected of you for your assignments, as well as find your books.
Compare your books on amazon, Chegg, or any other retailer, as the prices may be cheaper than your school. Additionally, you could also contact your professor to see if you could get an older addition. Renting is also a good option.
I also make a note of my due dates and class (now zoom) meetings in my online calendar as well as in my planner.
5.
Rest day. I like to take a complete rest day either one or two days before classes. I use this time to just be. I may read, watch a movie, and/or have a slow day.
Before Class
There are a few things that I like to do before class, but I do not always get everything done; some things are better that nothing at all.
1.
Materials. I like to print out the notes beforehand. For my associate’s in science degree (AS), my professors used power points, so I would print 2-6 slides per page (It depended on how long the power point was as well as the font).
Now, for my bachelors (BSN), my power points tend to be short, so I do not feel the need to print them, however, there are times when I print my articles.
2.
Read. I like to read over the power points and important articles before class. For my AS, I did not pay much attention to the supplemental documents (extra charts/diagrams) until I was in class or after class.
Additionally, if there was a recording (which was true for my AS), I liked to listen them before class as a pre-lecture and took notes on my power points in black ink. (see my previous post for nursing school essentials).
Now, for my BSN, I tend to have chapter readings or articles which I like to read and annotate before class. (This is where I usually use pen and paper, especially if I am expected to write an essay or discussion post on the reading).
3.
Listen. When I was doing my AS, if I did not get the chance to listen and take notes on the pre-lecture, I tried to download it to my phone and listen the lecture on the way to class.
4.
Questions. I liked to make a note of questions that I had for the professor on an index card/ sticky note/regular loose-leaf paper.
5.
Extras. During my AS, if I had the chance, I would look into the book at diagrams and charts and make a note of them on my power point slides (only if I had the extra time and to be honest, I hardly did).
During Class
1.
Notes. During my class for my AS, I took notes on my printed power points in red ink. I also used yellow or pink highlighters to make a note of important concepts made by my teacher.
For my BSN, I type on the slides in red ink and highlight in yellow.
2.
Drawing. I would copy any diagrams that my teacher made or take pictures if that was allowed.
3.
Questions. I would make note of any new questions that I had. I also tried to ask some questions in class, but if things got busy/if I were too shy, I would ask after class or via email.
4.
Participation. I tried to take part in discussions. In some cases, participation is a apart of your grade, hence why you should read your syllabus.
5.
The little things. Bring extra snacks and water to stay hydrated and recharged (if allowed).
After Class
1.
Review. During my AS, there were times when friends and I would stay back after class to review the lecture. This way, if someone missed something, we could explain or clarify.
It also helped to reinforce the material. During this session, I would write in black ink.
2.
More Review. I tried to review the lectures on my own by listening to the recording once again (if they were available) or by re-reading. If I had to make additions or expound on anything, I would use blue or green ink.
3.
Reinforcement. I tried to have a white erase board or just printer paper where I could write/draw concepts. I also practice the teach back method.
4.
Practice questions. I aimed to complete practice questions that were provided by my school or from books.
My friends also purchased U-world or Kaplan which I used during our study group sessions.
Thus far, I have no exams for my BSN nursing classes. Instead, I have discussions, essays, and projects. For these, aim to get things done in a timely manner at a pace that I can handle. If you would like, I could make a post for this.
5.
Relax. Take time to breathe, watch a show, sleep, and hang out with friends or family.
That is it for now. If you would like, I could share a post on how I studied for exams during my AS program (It would actually be a more in-depth discussion on my after-class routine).
During the pandemic, you may have to become more creative by creating zoom study sessions with friends or creating more in-depth schedules/routines as much of our studies may now be independent.
I have created a study-routine checklist that I hope will be helpful.
With that said, thank you for stopping by. If you found this post helpful, please share, and should you have something you would like to say, please comment below, or find me on Instagram @simplyannareece.
Until next time, peace be.
~Simply Anna Reece.
Comments