That paramedic school grade....

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FutureFlightMedic

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Thanks so much to everyone who posted to me about this, it has been great inspiration to me. I spoke to my instructor tonight about my 74% (D grade), and asked him if he had any suggestions for the way I study that may help me improve. He told me he noticed that I am the only one in class that takes notes on practicaly EVERYTHING he says, and that might be hindering me. He said it seems like I'm on a different wave-length than others. I am usually an A/B student, with only 2 C's on my entire college transcript. I am not sure if he has given up on me or what. I thanked him for the advice, and plan on taking it. He told me I am thinking in "student mode" and not "paramedic mode" so I will work on that. I'm assuming that means better critical thinking skills.?? I didn't get much detail out of him, because he kept getting distracted, and after a minute or so, I felt like the timing was innapropriate (even though it was his office hour) So, tonight I tried taking the most pertinent notes I could, and leave out the rest to show him I can think like a medic. He said I still have a chance at turning this grade around, but I am still scared. I asked a close friend (an A student in class) if he would help me study, and he is more than willing. We'll start tomorrow night. I'm trying to be positive, but I feel like this is starting to shake my faith in myself. Any and All advice is welcome. Anyone have any good study tips that got them through?
Thanks!
Be safe out there!
 
your what I like to refer to as Over analyzing Everything...your brain can only hold so much when you overstuff it with notes it tends to "Fizz out" your studying but your brain isnt recieving it....you should select Key words Instead of jotting down everything th teacher says jot down just the "keypoints"

I was the same way with EMT B in HS I was in all honors and AP classes with an AB average and a 1550 on my SAT but I periodically paid attention didnt joy as much note and retained key elements

When I got to my EMT class I was like "Oh sh*t someones life will be in my hands I need to write this down" and EVERYTHING the teacher said was gospel my grades suffered one day I asked him and he asked me a simple question

Which of the Patients would you NOT wear gloves with? (I know guys BSI with everything but lets not over analyze)
A)A Woman in Labor
B)A child with a cut on his leg
C)An elderly Woman who is bleeding from an aviceration?
D)An AIDS Patient with a concussion

When he asked me this it threw everything into perspective and kicked into gear what I was doing wrong..I overanalyzed....afterwards My GPA lifted and test scores improved.
 
i'm sorry that your instructor seemed "distracted" when you went to talk with him about your grade. i think that's frustrating, but anyway...
i'm like you--a good student with a decent transcript. it sounds like these skills are just a little different than what your used to studying, but i have no doubt that you can still do well in this class. one thing that helps me if i am having trouble in a class is studying using various forms of media. for example, i would read the material in the text book, read my notes, but also be sure to go through any cd roms that you are given. often you are given extra media to use to learn, and that can be really helpful. also, if your instructor has given you access to any test banks or websites with interactive activities be sure to go through all of that. i find that using a lot of different methods to get the info in your brain is often the best way to make sure it sticks.
in addition, i try to read all of the material in the text before class, and that way, class is just reinforcing what i've already learned. plus, perhaps that will allow you to not feel like you have to take as many notes.
okay, i'll write more later, but i have to start my class!
good luck!
 
Me thinks your instructor might need to go back to school...I personally do not like the crock of line of B.S. "thinking like a Paramedic".. but alas, do as they do in Rome, when in Rome....

Since you are an over achiever, I suggest to read ahead the chapters outlined and make brief outline notes. Hitting and emphasizing the main points of each chapter.

Don't take the Basic so intense... remember, it really is just above a 1'st aid class and you may be trying to over emphasize things. ... basically chill out... it will be okay.

Now, bide your time and grades to pass.. and then you can worry when you are in advanced levels.... hopefully, with a different instructor.

R/ r911
 
RidRyder, Thanks for the great advice! I always look forward to your opinion. However, the reason I am so stressed is I am IN Paramedic School, not basic. So I feel like I'm a horrible student, and also that my instructor probably thinks I'm an idiot! (I'm sure he doesn't, but he scares me-but I have never that show) :) I'm just so nervous that I'm not going to make it. any opinions?
 
yea, think like a paramedic is a bunch of bull shi...nevermind...anyway, studying with the straight A nerd is always a good idea. I had to make an 80% (b) or higher like the NR test to pass in my class. Paramedic class really isn't that hard. Are there any specific areas where you're having trouble because we could recommend some tricks and websites.
 
Attempt to continue to outline your chapters, and look at the objectives in the front of the chapters. As well, does your instructor teach of objective based ?.. If he is, then he is supposed describe if there any deviation and the information based for those questions.

For example "The student shall be able to define 3 contraindications of nasal intubations.".. So technically, he should not be able to ask you 4 contraindications, or oral intubations if it was not broad spoke or placed into the objective.

After a couple of weeks and no improvement, you need to make an appointment to speak with him and again, ask for his assistance. If he gives, you the same old b.s. or is interfered, inform him that you will have to discuss this with his superior. That you are attempting to make an honest attempt, and feel you are not getting appropriate answers. Be sure to log, all activity and discussion for personal reference.

Personally, I think you are getting ...."shafted and blown off"..and the instructor needs an attitude and realization awakening.

Good luck and hang in there....

R/r 911
 
The only time I hav seen the blow off thing is at the college programs only worried about the cash versus what happens with you....If a Teacher is miserable teaching then they shouldnt teach they should be there for their students without question
 
Hi, Guardian, Thanks for your reply (and everyone else's). We have started cardiac this week, and I feel tonight that I had a fairly good grip on it. The problem is, the things I focus toward and study on don't seem to be the way he tests. I talked with him tonight. He actually told me that maybe I'm doing so poorly because "I just don't want this bad enough" Now, with that I sucked it up and told him just how badly I DO want it; that I don't want to just barely pass with a decent grade-I WANT TO BE EXCELLENT SO I CAN BE AN EXCELLENT PARAMEDIC. I'm starting to feel like I'm not getting anywhere. Instead of offering helpful tips to get my grade up, he said "some people just aren't cut out for EMS" I stared at him. Hard. And he said "well, I'm not saying You personally" ??? I am just going to do my very best, and hopefully will become a great medic. I know it's in my heart. Sorry to rant....I was actually replying to your post to inquire about some good cardiac info. Any good websites you can recommend? Do you have any test-taking tips to offer me? Thanks again! Sorry to go on, I'm think I'm on an adrenaline high after the math test tonight and conversation after it. :(
 
I think it is time to meet with some school administration, or program representative. If an instructor discuss that "some people are not cut out for this" (which he has that right to say that) but, then says "not you" .. and he is talking to you. who else is he referring to?

If he is referring to someone else, he has just violated privacy code...

It might be time to see if there is another instructor, or another arrangement. It appears to me, he has made up his mind about you and will try to "wash" you out... Remarks, of how serious.. etc.. after meeting with him, one on one.. is asinine.. this is not the Marine Corps.. or boot camp...

It is now his time to step up...

R/r 911
 
I agree with Ryder

a Teachers Point is to give positive reinforcement..that would be like tlling one of MY students "Eh you know what your 2 point sucks..some people just arent cut out to ride Horses" what he just did was dismiss the issue..period.
apparantly you want it Bad enough if you bothered to pay for the class, you need a new teacher and he needs a foot up his ***..Pardon my language.Maybe "Some people just arent cut out to be teachers" Maybe "He dosnt want his teaching slot bad enough" if he isnt helping you...Ill think about you today darlin and I hope you resolve the situation it isnt fair to you to be dealing with such BS..school is hard enoughyou dont need A**hole teachers adding to it
 
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