Before entering Harding University’s DPT program, I had been warned time and time again of the rigorous, even torturous, workload physical therapy school required. Although I knew of the challenge I was about to face, even dreamed about it, I did not fully understand the immensity until beginning my first semester as a DPT student.
At first I wanted to know everything and would spend an hour on a single topic trying to memorize every tiny detail. It did not take me long to realize that there were not enough hours in the day for that. Instead of trying to memorize everything I had to find ways to really learn the information so that I could retain more and be able to reason through concepts better. I stopped making flashcards because it was not the most efficient method to help me retain the information I needed to know in the amount of time that I had to learn it. What had proved efficient and effective in my studies were repetition, teaching others, and drawing things out.
I made …show more content…
Last semester I got so caught up in what was right in front of me that I forgot to plan ahead. This semester I will keep the big picture in mind. I will reduce stress by reviewing the day’s material after class that day and then reviewing all my courses again that weekend. Starting two weeks before a test I will dedicate an extra thirty minutes a day to studying for that course. The weekend before the exam I will talk through the material with a classmate and study what I have found to be troublesome.
Although I know I will have to make adjustments to my plan as the semester goes on, I am hopeful that the plans I have in place will prove helpful and more manageable than that of last semester. As bumps in the roads come up, as I am sure they will, talking to professors and classmates to gain advice and clarity will be of the utmost support. As stressful as school is, I love what I am learning along with the people I am learning from and
At first I wanted to know everything and would spend an hour on a single topic trying to memorize every tiny detail. It did not take me long to realize that there were not enough hours in the day for that. Instead of trying to memorize everything I had to find ways to really learn the information so that I could retain more and be able to reason through concepts better. I stopped making flashcards because it was not the most efficient method to help me retain the information I needed to know in the amount of time that I had to learn it. What had proved efficient and effective in my studies were repetition, teaching others, and drawing things out.
I made …show more content…
Last semester I got so caught up in what was right in front of me that I forgot to plan ahead. This semester I will keep the big picture in mind. I will reduce stress by reviewing the day’s material after class that day and then reviewing all my courses again that weekend. Starting two weeks before a test I will dedicate an extra thirty minutes a day to studying for that course. The weekend before the exam I will talk through the material with a classmate and study what I have found to be troublesome.
Although I know I will have to make adjustments to my plan as the semester goes on, I am hopeful that the plans I have in place will prove helpful and more manageable than that of last semester. As bumps in the roads come up, as I am sure they will, talking to professors and classmates to gain advice and clarity will be of the utmost support. As stressful as school is, I love what I am learning along with the people I am learning from and