Concorde Staff
As you progress in your health care training program one thing is inevitable: testing. We certainly don't do it to torture you.
At Concorde, we're committed to making sure you're prepared and competitive when you enter the job market! That's why we take an integrated approach to learn.
What does an integrated health care training approach look like?
For example, we simulate different environments in our labs.
"This type of learning allows students to first understand the knowledge base and theory, then apply them to real life situations," said April Rahe, Academic Dean at Concorde-Kansas City. "A controlled, instructor-driven environment helps facilitate learning by practicing before going into a real-life clinical setting."
In several of our programs, our students participate in externships where they put their skills and knowledge to use in professional settings.
In addition to labs and externships, there will undoubtedly be interactive lectures and a place for learning theories and terminology to help you understand the how and why behind the practical applications you'll be performing.
When it comes to taking tests ...
To make sure that you're meeting learning outcomes and are progressing according to schedule, you'll be asked to show us your stuff!
Don't be overwhelmed. Preparation is nine-tenths of the law. Part of success on tests is rooted in your approach.
With this in mind, here are five study tips to consider before taking your next exam:
1. Don't cram: This might seem like it goes without saying. However, do you really know what happens to your brain when you try to start studying chapters and lecture notes the night before a test?
According to Ralph Heibutzki, "Cramming is associated with emotional, mental and physical impairments that reduce the body's ability to cope with its environment."
2. Change up study space: It's amazing what a different environment can do for your brain. Choosing the perfect spot means knowing thy self. Are you easily distracted? Your apartment or a coffee shop might not be the best place. Is there a park close by? A library where you can reserve a room or time where your house is family-free? Plan in advance where you'll go, so you don't lose valuable study time deciding.
3. Involve others in the process: Researchers say that the best way to learn something is to teach it to others. Whether you find a study group or share what you're learning with your family, when you're able to break down concepts and parrot them back to an audience, new pathways in the brain are created.
In a study group, perhaps the way another classmate explains it or a strategy they've used to learn will also make sense to you in a way that it didn't before.
4. Write an outline/make flash cards: We wrote about the power of handwriting notes a few months ago. Writing notes helps you put concepts into your own words and allows you to distill modules down to their most basic levels.
Flashcards are one of many aids that combine verbal reasoning, visual components and memory-based repetition that helps to cement learning.
5. Take advantage of the Learning Resource Center: Last, but certainly not least, visit your Learning Resource Center on campus - (We're not just saying that because it's National Library Week!)
Your Learning Resource Coordinator has all types of tips, tricks and tactics to help you ace your upcoming test.
We're curious to hear from you? How do you tackle the tests you take? Share with us in the comment section below.
Looking for other helpful articles on studying? Here are two others that readers similar to yourself enjoyed.
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