Despite having made it into medical school, you may find that the way you studied in Undergrad is not getting you the same results. This is a perfect time to re-evaluate your study skills and learn to study smarter, not harder!
It would be useful to refer to the “Time Management” link to organize your studying. It’s important to space out your studying (no cramming!) and to make a plan early in the year. The following will give you some ideas to try out to ensure you’re getting the most out of your studying.
Good HabitsAnd finally, none of this is possible without focus. Learn to focus your attention!
The first step in study skills starts with you. You need to know what has worked for you in the past, what hasn’t, when you do your best work, and when you don’t. Take a few minutes to reflect on your previous study habits. Make a list of things that work, things that don’t, what distracts you, and what are your priorities.
Use the principle of “see one, do one, teach one” while studying. Read the material, make notes on it, then be able to explain what your just learned to someone else (you can actually “teach” an imaginary lecture in your mind).
Choose your study environment. Try to have an environment that limits distractions, is comfortable, and has good lighting. Find an environment that mimics what your testing conditions will be like
Know what time of day you study best.
Study the most important topics first or when you know you’re at your best
Takes notes on your reading materials to actively learn
Take breaks every 30mins. You naturally remember the beginning and end of your study session, so taking breaks ensures you don’t forget the stuff in the middle
Stretch and breathe! Sounds simple but if you get the blood flowing and the oxygen in, you’ll feel more energized to focus and study
To facilitate long-term memory, study a little bit each day
If you choose to study in groups, ensure that everyone is prepared and focused on the tasks, otherwise study alone
Study the most difficult or urgent material when you have the most energy, save easier or less pressing material when you’re not as energetic
Skim the lecture materials the night before and review lectures afterward. The first 24 hours are most important to recall information.
While in lecture, use active listening. That is, focus on what is being said, listening to keywords. Ask questions for clarification. Be able to leave the lecture and explain to someone else the topics discussed.
Give yourself rewards/incentives for completion of study.
If you’re getting distracted by worrying thoughts, schedule “worry time” into your plan. Set aside 30 mins to let your mind worry/think and then move back to studying.
Read More:
The “Excuse” Trap
http://www.testtakingtips.com/study/index.htm
http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm
“So overwhelmed I can’t even get started”
• start by making a list, see Time Management section to organize and prioritize. Find the motivation to do one small task to get you on your way.
“I have no time”
• see the Reading & Time Management sections. Focus on the main topic.
“I’m not interested in this/bored of this”
• enlist a study buddy/group to stay engaged in learning. Use a variety of audio/visual techniques such as multicolour pens, flashcards, practice questions to keep your interest.
“It goes in one ear and out the other”
• see the Memorization techniques below, review more often.
"I can’t remember all this”
• use categories and concept maps to get the “big picture” and how ideas are interrelated.
“I like to study in bed with the t.v /facebook /cellphone, so what?”
• too many temptations, don’t set yourself up for failure with distractions. Study in an environment that mimics the testing site.
“I’ll just pulled an all-nighter”
• pace your studying out from day one, not only will you feel less stressed you’ll be more alert for exam day.
Read more: Study Traps