So far we have been given lots of reading for each of the topics being covered. I am quickly learning that you cannot learn everything and memorize everything. Fortunately, our professors give us study guide outlines or study objectives which really help guide our study habits. I am trying to stay on top of everything and study it now instead of cramming before the exam. I hate memorizing so I would rather learn things naturally by reviewing them everyday. Many of my other classmates are thinking that I am way ahead or even crazy but I just need to fill the time that I have during the day. So other than going to the gym for an hour every weekday, I spend the rest of the time reading, making flash cards, interacting with the material in some way because I'm thinking that the more I make this second nature to me, the easier the studying for the test will be. Originally, the information presented to us in a completely disorganized fashion. It was our job to create a master exam schedule with assignments and due dates. This made for a very frustrating week as we were trying to understand what to expect every week as well as prepare for what will be due. I found that using OneNote is extremely helpful because it puts every subject right at my fingertips. If I am studying for anatomy but want to know how the material from Physical Assessment matches up with the topics, I can easily just switch tabs instead of opening new folders and new documents. In the past I have always just organized documents in folders
What is really nice about the classes so far is that the instructors make it clear that they are there to help us become PA's. So even when we go into the cadaver lab (like we will again today!) we are not quizzed everyday. This makes for a much more relaxed learning environment. I don't have to stress about a stupid quiz or an assignment that is due--I can just enjoy my time interacting and learning. I wish all labs were like this (but as we all know, there would be some students who would take this as a free-for-all or an excuse to not do much and skate by). The environment in PA school is very different from ACPHS because all the people here express the urge to learn and become great providers. The students here are not just trying to get a degree and then a paycheck. I love this atmosphere for that very reason. These students here want to learn and enjoy learning because they want to be PA's for all the right reasons.
What is really nice about the classes so far is that the instructors make it clear that they are there to help us become PA's. So even when we go into the cadaver lab (like we will again today!) we are not quizzed everyday. This makes for a much more relaxed learning environment. I don't have to stress about a stupid quiz or an assignment that is due--I can just enjoy my time interacting and learning. I wish all labs were like this (but as we all know, there would be some students who would take this as a free-for-all or an excuse to not do much and skate by). The environment in PA school is very different from ACPHS because all the people here express the urge to learn and become great providers. The students here are not just trying to get a degree and then a paycheck. I love this atmosphere for that very reason. These students here want to learn and enjoy learning because they want to be PA's for all the right reasons.