Greetings! I thought I’d do something a little different. I’ve been a biology tutor for about 4 years and seen a lot of students come and go. I’ve heard their stories and watched their struggles (and hopefully helped a little along the way). There are some common challenges I tend to see, so if anyone out there is preparing to take an A&P class, here are some tips that might help!
PREPARATION: BEFORE YOU ENROLL
- If you haven’t been in an academic environment for a while, consider taking a general biology or introductory chemistry course first, even if it’s not required. Things like chemical bonds, cell biology, mitosis, and DNA structure may come on hot and heavy at the very beginning of the semester, and if these are new or novel to you, you’ll struggle to keep up.
- There might be a lower-level A&P class you can take to get your feet wet. For example, if you’re trying for an RN (Registered Nurse) program, a LPN (Practical Nursing) class may exist. I took an LPN level class to fulfill a biology requirement and it made me want to shoot for the RN program. When it came time to take the RN classes, it was oodles easier because many of the basics were already under my belt.
- Get really familiar with your academic program’s requirements and any policies regarding minimum grades or “strikes” for fails or withdrawals. You may think these won’t apply to you, but life happens and you need to know what to do if you land in a sticky spot.
SETTING THE STAGE: CLASSLOAD
- Don’t take more than one other science course that same semester — especially one with a lab component. Stacking up physics, organic chemistry, and A&P in one semester is going to bring down your grades. If you have struggled academically or have full-time commitments outside of school, I’d highly recommend making A&P your only class that semester, if you can swing it.
- Allow, at the bare minimum, one hour of studying per hour spent in lecture. Most recommend 2 hours of studying. In any case, it’s going to be more studying than you think!
- Don’t take A&P as an accelerated course unless you are an “A” student and aren’t working full-time. Just because an accelerated course is offered doesn’t mean that it’s a good fit. If you do take A&P accelerated, consider making it your only class that semester. I don’t know how many students I’ve met that didn’t realize their A&P course was only 7 weeks long and found themselves in trouble! Double-check those summer classes!
TAKING THE PLUNGE: ATTITUDE
- Don’t take A&P with the intent of getting it “out of the way.” This underestimates the amount of work it will be and starts you off on the wrong foot.
- Stay curious! Even if a topic feels difficult, boring, or not immediately related to your career goals, you’ll learn better if you approach it with a questioning mind. Really try to understand and think critically. Pretend, if you have to, that you’re interested and engaged.
- Try to remember that what you’re studying, however seemingly irrelevant, may help you in the future, and curricula are planned the way they are for a reason.
- If you’re a more introverted person, build up your confidence and people skills. Getting to know and work with your professor and classmates can be critical to your success. Be brave and make those connections.
- Remember that learning how to learn could be half the battle. What has worked in other classes may not cut the mustard in A&P, and you may need to adjust and adapt. Keep an open mind and find out how your peers are studying — some of those techniques may help you.
In fact, maybe I should do a post about study tips next! -CNx