4 Core Study Techniques Every Student Should Know
Summary
TLDRIn this 'Undergrad Forum' episode, the speaker, a recent medical school graduate, shares four essential strategies for medical students to enhance learning efficiency. These include learning from exams by using the 'backwards method' to focus on high-yield information, practicing spaced repetition to avoid cramming and improve long-term retention, interlacing learning by mixing up study topics for better recall, and creating associations to aid memorization. The speaker emphasizes these methods as key to mastering medical knowledge and performing well in exams.
Takeaways
- 📚 Learn from exams: Use previous exam questions to identify high-yield information and to guide your reading.
- 🔁 Embrace mistakes: When studying, expect to get questions wrong initially; this is part of the learning process.
- 📈 Spaced repetition: Avoid cramming by reviewing material over time, gradually increasing the level of detail with each review.
- 🔁 Interlaced learning: Mix up your study topics to enhance long-term retention rather than focusing on one subject at a time.
- 🤝 Associations: Utilize associations, such as images or mnemonics, to help commit information to memory.
- 🧠 Backwards learning: Start with questions and work backwards to understand the material, rather than just reading textbooks.
- 📅 Plan your study: Use a calendar to organize your study sessions and ensure you're reviewing material at different intervals.
- 🚫 Avoid all-or-nothing: Don't try to learn everything in one go; instead, focus on getting the general concepts first, then add more detail.
- 🔄 Randomize your study: Use random or mixed-up questions during practice to mimic the unpredictability of real exams and clinical scenarios.
- 👂 Listen to advice: Seek guidance from tutors, counselors, or peers to refine your study strategies and avoid common pitfalls.
Q & A
What are the four key strategies the speaker suggests for medical students to enhance their learning?
-The four key strategies are: 1) Learning from exams by focusing on high-yield information and using the 'backwards method', 2) Spaced repetition to avoid cramming and reinforce long-term memory, 3) Interlacing learning by mixing up study topics to improve long-term recall, and 4) Making associations to aid in memorization.
What does the 'backwards method' mentioned in the script refer to?
-The 'backwards method' refers to the strategy of starting with exam questions or Q Bank questions to identify high-yield information, rather than just reading textbooks or lecture notes. It involves learning from the questions first and then reading to understand the concepts behind them.
How does the speaker define 'spaced repetition' in the context of medical studies?
-Spaced repetition is defined as the practice of learning something, taking a break, and then revisiting the material at intervals. This method is intended to enhance long-term retention and avoid the pitfalls of cramming, where information is learned in a narrow time window and quickly forgotten.
What is the benefit of interlacing learning according to the speaker?
-Interlacing learning is beneficial because it helps in improving long-term recall of information. By studying different topics in a mixed order, rather than focusing on one topic for an extended period, students can better retain information over time.
How does the speaker recommend using associations to aid in learning?
-The speaker suggests using associations to help memorize information by linking concepts with images, sounds, or other memorable elements. This can be done through mnemonics, visual imagery, or any other method that aids in creating a mental link between the information and something more familiar or easier to remember.
What is the significance of learning from exams in the speaker's strategy?
-Learning from exams is significant because it helps students to focus on the most important and high-yield information that is likely to appear on actual exams. This approach ensures that students are not just passively reading but actively engaging with the material and learning the most relevant content.
Why does the speaker encourage medical students to expect to get questions wrong initially?
-The speaker encourages students to expect to get questions wrong initially because it is a normal part of the learning process. This mindset allows students to learn from their mistakes and focus on understanding the material better, rather than being discouraged by incorrect answers.
What role does the concept of 'spaced repetition' play in avoiding cramming?
-Spaced repetition plays a crucial role in avoiding cramming by spreading out study sessions over time. This method helps in reinforcing information and moving it from short-term to long-term memory, which contrasts with cramming, where information is learned in a short, intense period and is more likely to be forgotten quickly.
How does the speaker suggest medical students should approach studying for clinical courses?
-The speaker suggests that medical students should approach studying for clinical courses by using the 'backwards method', focusing on high-yield information from previous exams or Q Banks, and interlacing their learning by mixing up different topics to enhance long-term recall.
What is the importance of making associations in the learning process as per the speaker?
-Making associations is important because it aids in memorization and retention of information. By associating new concepts with familiar images, sounds, or ideas, students can more easily recall the information when needed, making the learning process more efficient and effective.
Outlines
📚 Learning from Exams and the Backwards Method
The speaker, a recent medical school graduate, emphasizes the importance of learning from exams and questions rather than just endless reading. They introduce the 'backwards method', which involves attacking questions first to identify high-yield information. The speaker suggests not being afraid of getting questions wrong as it's a part of the learning process. They recommend using question banks and books with questions at the back for both basic science and clinical courses to enhance learning efficiency.
📅 Spaced Repetition and Avoiding Cramming
The speaker discusses the concept of spaced repetition, advising against cramming by learning and reviewing material over time rather than in a narrow time window. They suggest a gentle approach to learning, where one starts with general concepts and gradually adds more detail with each review. The speaker encourages the use of a calendar to plan daily study sessions, with a focus on reviewing material in a spaced manner to improve long-term recall and avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
🧩 Interlacing Your Learning for Better Recall
The speaker introduces the technique of interlacing learning, which involves mixing up study topics rather than focusing on one subject at a time. They argue that this method helps in long-term retention better than studying in large chunks. The speaker suggests studying different subjects in a random order to mimic the real exam and clinical scenarios, where topics are not presented in isolation. They recommend using random question sets in Q banks to practice this interlaced learning approach.
🔗 Making Associations to Aid Memory
The final point made by the speaker is about making associations to help with memorization. They mention that professional memorizers use associations to recall complex information. The speaker suggests using any form of association that works for the individual, such as images, mnemonics, or personal stories, to make learning easier and more effective. They share a personal example of how they remember the influenza vaccine composition through a quirky association and encourage viewers to find their own methods that resonate with them.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Med school
💡Learning efficiency
💡Exams
💡Backwards method
💡Spaced repetition
💡Interlacing
💡Q Banks
💡High-yield information
💡Associations
💡Mnemonics
Highlights
Learn from exams by focusing on high-yield information and using the 'backwards method' to enhance learning.
Tutoring experience revealed common mistakes among medical students, such as endless reading without a clear intention.
The importance of not being afraid of getting questions wrong as part of the learning process.
Utilize Q Banks and high-yield books to practice and learn from questions, not just reading.
Spaced repetition is emphasized over cramming for better long-term retention.
A routine of consistent studying with spaced repetition can prevent the need for cramming.
Interlacing learning, or mixing up study topics, is recommended for better long-term recall.
The concept of studying in 'chunks' versus 'interlacing' for short-term versus long-term learning benefits.
Using random question practice on Q Banks to simulate real exam conditions and enhance learning.
Associations as a memorization technique, with examples of how professional memorizers use this method.
The effectiveness of associating concepts with images or stories to aid in recall.
Mnemonics as a form of association that can be personalized to individual learning styles.
The speaker's personal experience and advice on learning techniques, emphasizing their subjective nature.
Encouragement for students to find their own learning strategies by experimenting with the suggested techniques.
The importance of community and discussion in learning, as facilitated by the speaker's Facebook page.
A reminder to enjoy the learning process and to balance study with personal well-being.
Transcripts
what's up YouTube Welcome to another
episode of the undergrad Forum now in
this video I'm going to talk to you
about the four things I think every med
student should be doing to enhance their
learning and make themselves efficient
and Cutting Edge
um as many of you know if you've watched
my YouTube channel or follow me on our
Facebook page I graduated from med
school last week and I'm starting
residency next week so I got this little
bit of Gap time and I spent a lot of
this time thinking about what was med
school like over the last four years for
me five years because I got the MBA with
it but you know what did I learn in the
beginning what mistakes that I make what
did I you know get a good hold of early
on and what did I carry through and use
um throughout all the years of medical
school and business school you know you
can use this learning Notions really in
any kind of field
and I broke them down into four things
the very first is going to be learn from
exams and that may be kind of odd but
I've been doing you know I've been
tutoring all throughout med school and I
still tutor now and the one thing I see
that most incoming Med students have
problems with is that they want to
endlessly read with some degree of focus
but no true intention and that's where I
think you can really fall behind and
that's it that could hurt you so when
I've been you know trying to teach
incoming medicines how to be more you
know higher performing or better the
very first thing I try to teach and I
noticed that almost everyone does it
wrong is you have to learn from previous
exams or learn from questions not just
reading and it's very important to read
but how you do it's important and I call
this like the backwards method I've
talked about it with board exams
and how to use Q Banks but it's the same
concept when you're studying for your
basic science or clinical courses you
can just read read and hope you're
getting all the high yield information
and hope you're ready for the exams and
not have a lot of tests to yourself
um or you could do it backwards um you
know you can read the lecture slides you
can kind of read and get the basics of
what's going on but then just attack
questions and the beauty of that is the
questions are designed to highlight an
important or high yield information and
that concept is core to doing well and
that's cool don't be afraid if you
haven't read anything to attack
questions get them wrong read about it
and learn the important stuff I think
the trend I've noticed you know the most
with myself and working with other
students is that people don't want to
get questions wrong they feel horrible
they're like Oh no I got that wrong and
I keep telling them of course you got it
wrong you didn't really know it we've
just started questions we're learning
backwards so don't be scared getting
questions wrong it's expected with this
technique and it's what's going to make
you better so learning from exams is key
number one and how do you get those you
know if you're studying for boards you
can use any Q Bank you like you can use
like tourio you can use uh you world us
Emily World Kaplan first aid qbank
whatever you want
um and if you're in clinical years and
you're or in the basic science years you
can get any of those like BRS high yield
any of those kind of books and there's
questions always in the back
um all those questions are not gonna you
know prepare you for boards don't expect
every question to be like a step one
step two or step three question but the
important thing is learn how to read
questions learn how to decipher what
questions are asking you be able to
answer it correctly and if you get it
wrong you'll go learn from that question
what are they trying to get at what's
the important learning point and that's
going to guide your reading much more
than just trying to read chapter after
chapter in a recommended textbook so
lesson number one do questions get them
from previous exams if you have access
to them all those like med school high
yield BRS
um quick recall I can't remember all the
brands you know all those books they
have questions in the back and they have
efficient notes to read hit real Q banks
on the boards and the beauty of that is
tell yourself I'm expecting to get
almost all these questions wrong and
anything I get right wow I'm great and
then learn from every question you get
wrong and now you're doing the same
amount of reading and hopefully much
more efficiently now you're focused on
your reading and you're not just reading
aimlessly you're getting a bunch of
Hollywood information you'll be very
efficient you'll you'll do well on your
exam so that's lesson number one
number two is this thing called spaced
repetition fancy name for don't cram
obvious you know sometimes you can't
help it I'm going to give you that med
school is part of life you know there's
a lot of things going on you can't
always be doing Perfect Space repetition
um I'm gonna argue that you can because
I have seen some of my classmates do it
they are machines they are robots I
cannot do that let's be honest every now
and then we've all crammed that's part
of life but
um what you should do is obviously aim
for not cramming all the time if you're
in a routine of cramming and cramming
and cramming and you just can't you know
keep your head above water you're
obviously doing something wrong you
should reach out and talk to someone a
counselor or a learning advisor at your
school or whoever you have access to to
say hey what am I doing wrong hopefully
this video will give you some tips on
what to do but you shouldn't be always
kind of chasing uh the tail here you
should always have a bit of a grasp so
space reputation or space repetition
excuse me is the concept that you learn
something you're read about it give
yourself a bit of a break a day or so
you read again about it you quiz
yourself on it a day later or whatever
else have you so you're not just
learning it in a very narrow time window
you're learning it over time and I had a
hard time with that in the beginning
because
I felt like there was no way to take
everything I'm learning and allocate
that over space repetition and then I
learned there totally is because you
don't have to know everything first pass
you can the beauty of this like space
for petition or looking at the same
material over like a time period as
opposed to a narrow window is with every
time you go over it you can get the
details as you go so first pass you can
just get the general concepts of
whatever you're reading about second
pass you can get some more detail and
third pass you should hopefully get most
of it the beauty there is you're in
cramming you just do one heavy pass and
try to get everything good luck you know
it's like trying to catch a bunch of
water with your hands things will leak
but with you know looking at something
over and over again and getting more
detail as you go so not just heavy
detail every time more detail as you go
along you know in the first pass tell
yourself oh it's okay I'm getting some
of it second pass oh I'm getting more
Etc
and that's the beauty of it so working
you know get like a calendar on you know
and what to study every day whether
you're on especially important on
clinicals and as opposed to basic
science and tell yourself like what am I
going to be reviewing and put like first
pass second pass third pass to let
yourself know how much detail am I gonna
go into when I'm looking at the material
so space repetition and I think the key
to that is to keep you from cramming is
every time you're reading don't try to
get all the details first pass Go Gentle
second pass go heavier third pass go the
heaviest and that way you're going over
the same material more than once and
you're getting details as you go along
more and that's going to give yourself a
much better recall next thing is this
thing called
interlacing your learning
um fancy fancy term and all and I
googled a lot of these terms because I
was like what am I doing and what are
fancy words for it um so if you don't
like the fancy words ignore them all I'm
going to say for this is or what it
means in like easy terms is don't just
study like okay you know I gotta study
cardio today and I gotta do some long
and I got GI at the end don't do like a
ton of cardio a ton of palm and end the
day with kind of kind of GI mix it up
that's what that whole interlacing means
um so study some cards study some Palm
study some GI study some cards study
some Palm g mix it up um the beauty of
that is people will argue that oh no you
know when I'm in cards mode I'm doing
nothing but cards for hours and I'm in
the zone don't get me out of it and then
I move on to lung or I'm doing diabetes
management or I'm learning about how to
do a Whipple I want to do that nothing
else that's fine and the rationale there
I think is supported in short-term
learning but they make the argument and
you know go yell at the NIH publish
articles on I've been not me but they
make the argument and I think they're
right because I did it more accidentally
and there's research supporting it so I
just got lucky that if you mix up your
learning and kind of space it out do
some cards do some poem GI and then mix
it up as you learn it helps you in the
long term to recall the information much
more than in the short so you may have a
short-term benefit if you study you know
content in big chunks but if you have
the capability and you have the
foresight to say you know what I want
more long-term gains mix it up
interlacer learning it's I mean this
honestly goes into just qbank style
learning
um I'll use this as a much more firm
example people who and I've had to tutor
this multiple times so it's a you know
obviously enough students make this
error when you're studying sections on
uworld or qbank or electorial or
whatever you're doing don't just click
cards and click like 46 questions always
hit give me everything make it random
and then give me questions that's the
same concept of interlaced learning you
want to mix it up you want to go from
one topic to the next to the next not
just one after the other the same thing
if that's difficult for you to
understand talk to people about how they
study for boards almost everyone I'm
going to say 99 are probably going to
say always do it in random because
that's how you learn and that's how the
real exam is it's always going to be
mixed up that's how test questions are
and that's how patients are going to be
in the hospital you don't just see you
know they don't schedule six heart
patients in the morning in the lung it's
you get whatever you get so interlaced
learning highly recommend it and the
last thing number four is associations
um
there is a company that I mean there's
countless companies now I think that
have created businesses on this concept
of associations and they can be like
pictures that you draw or images you
remember in your mind or voice
associations whatever it is whenever
you're trying to just brute memorize
something the beauty of it is you can
use associations to help you so people
who are professional memorizers and yes
that's a thing they're a professional
memorizing competitions where like even
like young kids are like memorizing
decks of cards and what cards after the
other and what they will tell you is how
they do it is with associations so
they'll memorize a concept and Associate
it with something else there are
companies like sketchy micro pigmonic
real DZ or something and what they do is
I mean I'll promote sketchy micro
because one of my friends created that
company and it's a super cool company
what they do is like they try to teach
you microbiology and I think now they do
a bunch of other stuff and they like
show you images and they sketch it out
to help you learn and Associate the
concepts with images
um so you but you don't have to do that
with obviously you can do it with
whatever you want
but the idea there is whenever you're
learning things try to make associations
whether it's with someone's name or
videos or images you have in your mind
it just makes learning easier and that's
like a core basic brute memorizing
principle make associations not just
random
um mnemonics or things to memorize
um always works well I mean one silly
one like the influenza vaccine 2A is in
a B I have no idea how I remember that
someone said that I thought it was
catchy I remember the Doctor Who told me
so whenever someone says hey what types
of influenza are in the vaccine I know
it's two type A's and a type B
I just remember the person who told it
to me weird Association but it works
um whatever else you know mnemonics are
considered associations to whatever
works there I'm going to leave that up
to you because that's whatever
creativity or how your brain works for
me it's more auditory and like images I
put in my head but you could have you
know movies or whatever songs or
whatever works for you so I hope this
video helped four key principles that I
think every men's student should be
doing to have high efficiency learning
and that's learn from test you know
don't be afraid you're learning
backwards you're going to get a ton of
questions wrong but it's how you learn
high yield information space out your
learning so it's not all crammed
um
interweave it so you're reading topics
in different orders and that's how you
you know it's spaced and interlacing
them you get better long-term memory
than just short term and lastly make
associations whether they're auditory
visual memory drawing whatever it works
and I think those are four fairly basic
now that I probably tell them to you but
I'll tell you when people come into med
school straight out or they get nervous
in learning situations they revert to
poor strategy use these four please as
guiding principles I hope they help you
as I always say in all my videos this is
my biased and never humble about advice
so take it as you want if you like it
you know try different pieces of this
learning see what works for you see what
you don't like ask other people this is
just my viewpoint and my advice I hope
it helps you guys let me know if you
have any questions Down Below in the
comments you know like or enjoying our
Facebook page so you can join the
community where we ask each other
questions and give each other answers
and as always guys enjoy yourself
studies
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