Study LESS, Study SMART – What I Wish I Knew in College

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Jubbal from MedSchoolInsiders.com shares effective study strategies he learned in medical school, emphasizing active learning over passive methods. He covers organizing information, creating study aids like charts, and applying knowledge through practice. The video also discusses the importance of the study environment, the Pomodoro Technique for focused studying, and the benefits of teaching others. Dr. Jubbal advises against re-watching lectures and instead suggests using textbooks actively and leveraging spaced repetition with flashcards for memorization.

Takeaways

• 📚 Active learning is more effective than passive learning, requiring more effort but leading to better understanding and retention.
• 🔍 To employ active learning, one must identify important information, organize it, memorize actively, and apply it through practice.
• 📈 Organizing information in your own words or diagrams, such as tables and charts, can enhance understanding and provide useful study tools.
• 🏠 Personalize your study environment by choosing the right location, whether it's at home, a coffee shop, or a library.
• 🤝 Balance between group and solo studying can optimize review rates and reinforce difficult concepts while maintaining focus and motivation.
• 👥 Keep study groups small to avoid distractions and maintain productivity; teaching others in the group can reinforce your own learning.
• 🔄 The trade-off between novel stimuli and routine suggests varying study locations can improve recall, but a consistent routine can boost productivity.
• ⏱ The Pomodoro Technique, using 25-minute focused study sessions followed by 5-minute breaks, can combat procrastination and improve focus.
• ✍️ Writing notes by hand can improve recall due to the slower pace and increased engagement compared to typing.
• 🎧 Lecture podcasts offer flexibility but require discipline; using increased playback speed can help maintain focus and save time.
• 🚫 Avoid rewatching lectures, which is a passive activity; instead, use textbooks and active learning methods for review.
• 📝 Use summary sheets and spaced repetition with flashcards to actively memorize information, improving recall and making the most of study time.

Q & A

What is the primary benefit of studying more effectively according to the video?

Studying more effectively allows you to learn more and retain more information in less time, which results in less time spent studying, better grades, and more time for activities you enjoy.

What is the difference between active and passive learning?

Passive learning is the default, easier, and more comfortable method of studying, which involves less effort. Active learning, on the other hand, is more challenging and requires more effort, but it is ultimately much more effective for understanding and retaining information.

What are the four steps involved in active learning as mentioned in the video?

The four steps involved in active learning are: 1) Identifying what is important, 2) Organizing the information in a way that you understand, 3) Memorizing the information actively, and 4) Applying the information through practice questions and quizzes.

How can the studying environment affect productivity?

The studying environment requires personalization. Some people prefer studying in coffee shops or libraries to reduce distractions, while others may find studying at home more comfortable and effective. Group versus solo studying also plays a role, with group study being beneficial for reinforcing difficult concepts, but solo study often allows for faster review.

What is the Pomodoro Technique and how does it help with studying?

The Pomodoro Technique involves studying in 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks in between. This method helps fight procrastination, improves focus, and maintains endurance during study sessions.

Why does the video suggest that rewatching lectures is a waste of time?

Rewatching lectures is considered a waste of time because it is an extremely passive activity. Instead, the video suggests using time to review, synthesize, and actively engage with the material through methods like questions and flashcards.

How does summarizing textbooks and notes improve memorization?

Summarizing textbooks and notes into your own words makes the process more active by helping you identify important information and organize it in a way that enhances understanding and recall. This method also creates a condensed study resource for later review.

What is spaced repetition and how does it aid in memorization?

Spaced repetition is a memorization technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals, just before you are likely to forget it. This method enhances long-term retention by spacing out study sessions based on the forgetting curve.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of attending lectures in person versus listening to lecture podcasts?

Attending lectures in person offers the benefits of a structured routine, reduced distractions, and the ability to ask questions in real-time. However, lecture podcasts provide flexibility, allowing you to watch at your convenience and at increased speeds, although they require more discipline to avoid procrastination.

Why is using flashcards considered an effective study method?

Flashcards are effective because they require active recall, which is more similar to test conditions than recognition. They also allow for quick, frequent reviews, making them convenient for spaced repetition. Creating your own flashcards also enhances learning through the active engagement of organizing information.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Effective Study Techniques and Active Learning

This paragraph introduces the concept of active versus passive learning, emphasizing the importance of active learning for better retention and efficiency. Dr. Jubbal shares insights from medical school and introduces study hacks that can lead to improved grades with less time spent studying. The paragraph outlines four steps for effective active learning: identifying important information, organizing it, memorizing actively, and applying the knowledge through practice. It also touches on personalizing the study environment, the benefits of group study, and the use of the Pomodoro Technique for better focus and productivity.

05:02

📝 Enhancing Information Acquisition and Note-Taking

The second paragraph delves into improving the process of obtaining information during lectures, suggesting alternatives to passive note-taking. It discusses the benefits of writing versus typing notes, the advantages of lecture attendance versus listening to podcasts, and the pitfalls of rewatching lectures. The paragraph also addresses the ineffectiveness of passive studying methods like highlighting textbooks and suggests summarizing information as a more active approach. It introduces the concept of summary sheets and spaced repetition using tools like Anki to enhance memorization and recall.

10:02

🔁 Leveraging Spaced Repetition and Active Recall

The final paragraph focuses on the power of spaced repetition and active recall for memorization. It explains the process of condensing notes into summary sheets to capture key points effectively. The paragraph highlights the benefits of using flashcards, specifically with software like Anki, to implement spaced repetition and improve long-term retention. It also emphasizes the importance of daily reviews and the convenience of using flashcards during short downtimes throughout the day, concluding with an invitation for viewers to explore more study strategies and share their favorites.

Keywords

💡Active Learning

Active learning is a method of engaging with educational content that requires students to be more involved in the learning process, rather than passively absorbing information. It is highlighted in the video as a more challenging but ultimately more effective approach to studying. The script emphasizes that active learning involves identifying important information, organizing it, memorizing, and applying it through practice. An example from the script is creating tables and charts to compare macro-minerals in the GI system, which helps in understanding and retaining the information.

💡Passive Learning

Passive learning refers to the traditional way of studying where students tend to listen or read without much interaction or engagement with the material. The video script describes it as easier and more comfortable but less effective compared to active learning. An example given is taking notes in the comments section of a PowerPoint during a lecture, which is a passive way of learning since it involves minimal processing of the information.

💡Study Environment

The study environment refers to the physical and social surroundings in which a student learns. The video discusses the importance of personalizing one's study environment, including choosing between studying at home, in coffee shops, libraries, or with a group. It mentions that the environment can significantly affect focus and productivity, with the script suggesting that group study can reinforce difficult concepts and keep students motivated.

💡Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method used to enhance productivity by breaking work into intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The video script praises this technique as an effective way to fight procrastination, improve focus, and maintain endurance. It is presented as a study hack that can help in managing study sessions efficiently.

💡Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves increasing the intervals between subsequent reviews of previously learned material. The video script explains that this method is key to memorization, as it allows for reviewing material right before you're about to forget it, thus making the learning process more effective. The script recommends using software like Anki to perform spaced repetition and create flashcards for daily review.

💡Condensed Notes

Condensed notes, also known as summary sheets, are a method of summarizing lengthy notes into a more concise format. The video script describes this process as a form of active learning that helps in memorizing information by extracting and rephrasing key points. An example given is condensing three pages of notes into one page, making it easier to review and recall during exams.

💡Flashcards

Flashcards are a study tool that typically consists of a set of cards, each containing a question or a prompt on one side and an answer or additional information on the other. The video script highlights flashcards as an effective method for memorization through recall, as opposed to recognition. It suggests using flashcards with spaced repetition software like Anki for daily review, which can be done in short bursts throughout the day.

💡Group Study

Group study involves learning with a small group of peers, which can facilitate the reinforcement of difficult concepts and provide motivation. The video script notes that while group study can be beneficial, it is important to keep the group size small to avoid distractions and maintain productivity. It also mentions the advantage of teaching what you have learned to others in the group as a way to reinforce your own understanding.

💡Solo Study

Solo study refers to studying alone, which the video script suggests can be beneficial for maintaining focus and productivity. It contrasts with group study and is mentioned as a personal preference of the speaker, who spent slightly more time studying alone. Solo study allows for a more personalized pace and the ability to concentrate without the potential distractions of a group setting.

💡Lecture Podcasts

Lecture podcasts are audio or video recordings of lectures that students can listen to or watch at their convenience. The video script discusses the advantages of lecture podcasts, such as the ability to watch or listen when well-rested and the option to increase playback speed for better focus. However, it also warns of the need for discipline when using podcasts to avoid falling behind, suggesting that some students may benefit more from attending lectures in person.

💡Highlighting

Highlighting is the act of marking important parts of text in a book or document, typically for easier review. The video script criticizes this method as a passive way of studying that is not as effective as more active methods, such as summarizing information in one's own words. It suggests that highlighting alone does not improve recall and should be replaced with more engaging study techniques.

Highlights

Effective studying can lead to better grades and more free time for enjoyable activities.

Active learning is more challenging but significantly more effective than passive learning.

Active learning involves four steps: identifying important information, organizing it, memorizing, and applying it.

Creating tables and charts can help in understanding and reviewing complex subjects.

Personalizing your study environment, including location and whether to study alone or in a group, is crucial.

Teaching what you've learned to others during group study can reinforce your own understanding.

Balancing novel stimuli with maintaining a routine can impact recall and productivity.

The Pomodoro Technique is an effective method to combat procrastination and improve focus.

Writing notes by hand can improve recall compared to typing them out.

Lecture podcasts offer flexibility but require discipline to prevent falling behind.

Re-watching lectures is inefficient; instead, focus on active learning methods.

Summarizing textbook readings in your own words enhances understanding and recall.

Summary sheets or condensed notes are an effective method for memorization.

Spaced repetition software like Anki can significantly improve memorization.

Using flashcards that require recall rather than recognition mimics the test-taking experience.

Reviewing flashcards in short bursts throughout the day can be more effective than longer study sessions.

The video provides links to further explore study strategies like Pomodoro and the Fineman Technique.

Transcripts

I would bet that you are not studying anywhere nearly as effectively as you could be.

And why should you care?

Well, if you study more effectively, you can learn more and retain more in less time.

That translates to less time studying, better grades, and more time doing the things you

actually enjoy.

In this video, we’ll cover all of the study hacks I learned in medical school, and what

I wish I knew back in college.

What's going on guys,

Dr. Jubbal, MedSchoolInsiders.com.

This video is an updated version of my first ever video: “Premed Study Strategies – What

I Wish I Knew in College”.

By following the tips in this video, you’ll be studying less and earning better grades

immediately.

I just wish I was studying like this sooner.

Without further ado, let's get to it.

First, active versus passive learning.

The default studying pattern we all employ is passive learning.

It’s easier, requires less effort, and overall is just more comfortable.

Active learning is more challenging, it's less comfortable, but is ultimately much more

effective.

There are 4 Steps we must address to actually use active learning.

Steps 1 and 2 are about obtaining the information, and Steps 3 and 4 are

about reviewing and reinforcing the information.

The first Step is to identify what is important.

Not all information is created equal.

To employ active learning, you must constantly be sorting information and assessing its relative

importance.

Second, organize the information in a way that you understand.

Again, as an active process, this isn't going to be just copying and regurgitating information,

instead you are going to be doing the difficult task of synthesizing the information in your

own words, in diagrams or in other study aids.

For example, I loved creating tables and charts.

Let’s say I was comparing macro-minerals, like sodium, potassium and chloride in the

GI system.

I would take the extra time and effort to extract the relevant information and organize

it in a chart format.

The process of creating this chart was enough to improve my understanding of the concepts

and now I also had an excellent study tool to review at a later date.

Number three, memorize.

You need to memorize the information in an active way.

I'll get to how to do that later.

And lastly, apply the information.

You can do practice questions from the textbook or online services.

Old practice tests or practice quizzes from your professor are also fantastic resources.

Next, let's talk about your studying environment.

This is an area requiring more personalization, so it's key that you figure out what works

best for you.

First, the location.

Do you prefer coffee shops and libraries, or studying at home?

If you’ve seen the video of my workspace, then you understand why I love working at

home.

Many people do however get easily distracted at home and that is why they prefer the coffee

shop or library since helps them focus on the work at hand.

Next, group versus solo studying.

Are you studying by yourself or with other people?

My split varied but it was roughly 50/50.

Maybe a little bit more time studying solo.

In group study the rate of reviewing material is slower but the main benefit is working

through and reinforcing difficult concepts while also keeping you motivated and sane.

That being said, groups need to be small.

Study with only one or two other people.

Groups larger than this have severely diminishing returns because you are going to get distracted

and your productivity will plummet.

One of the biggest advantages to group study is the ability to teach what you have learned.

This teaching reinforces the material for yourself and you also help out your friends

and classmates.

I go over how to use a strategy in my Fineman Technique video.

Now, there is a trade-off between novel stimuli and maintaining a routine.

Novel stimuli such as varying your study location has been demonstrated to improve recall and

retention.

However, for some this works directly against the benefits of a routine.

The routine of waking up at the same time, studying in the same place, etcetera, may

facilitate productivity and fight off procrastination.

The novel stimuli of studying in new locations and with new people may impede your ability

to get into the groove and maintain productivity long term.

I found myself studying in usually the same spaces.

Either I was in my med school in the empty classrooms, which is when I usually did group

study, or I was at home studying solo with my optimal setup.

Now, in terms of timing and pacing, one of my all-time favorite study hacks is the Pomodoro

Technique.

Essentially, you focus on one task, study in these 25-minute blocks, take five minute

breaks and it sounds very simple but it actually is super effective at fighting procrastination,

improving your focus and maintaining endurance.

I go over how you can use it most effectively in my Pomodoro video.

Third, let's talk about obtaining the information.

Generally, you're going to be obtaining information in one of two ways as a pre-med, either lecture

or textbooks.

During lecture, most of us follow along with our own copy of the Powerpoint and we just

take notes in the comments section.

This is a very passive way of learning.

Here are some other options to improve your methods of obtaining information.

First, consider writing versus typing your notes.

Each, of course, has its pros and cons.

Typing is faster which sounds great initially, but if you type faster you are able to transcribe

what the professor is saying verbatim.

That is not good.

This is a very passive way of taking notes.

By writing, you generally write much slower and therefore you have to emphasize the important

information and rephrase and organize it into your own words.

Writing in comparison to typing has also been demonstrated to improve recall possibly due

to the increased motor coordination required for writing.

When I was in med school, styluses aren't what they are today and I opted for typing

in some classes and writing on paper in others, particularly for my summary sheets, which

we'll get to later.

But now with the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil you can get the best

of both worlds.

Check out my video on how to most effectively take notes with the iPad and Apple Pencil.

Second, let's talk about lecture versus podcast.

Your school may offer audio or video recordings of your lectures.

And for me, this worked best.

However, there are of course distinct advantages to attending lectures in person.

For lecture, you have this set routine and you're surrounded by other people who are

doing the exact same thing.

It helps reduce distraction and encourages you to be engaged in the lecture at least

more so than if you were listening to a podcast at home.

You're also able to ask questions in real time.

But the podcast on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to watch whenever you want,

meaning you can watch the lecture on your own schedule when you're well-rested and feeling

fresh.

You can also watch it at increased speeds.

I personally opted for 1.5x or 2x playback speed.

Zoning out with slow speaking lectures was a big issue for me and that's why I love the

ability to speed up the podcast because it helped keep me engaged and focused.

That being said, be careful of the temptation of podcasting because it requires a great

deal of discipline to stay on track and not fall behind.

If you are the type of student who would procrastinate with podcasting, do yourself a favor and stick

to attending lectures instead.

Okay, now let's talk about rewatching lectures.

This is a total waste of time.

I understand the thought process behind it - you want to make sure you didn't miss anything

important and you want to reinforce the content.

Repetition.

The problem is that rewatching lectures is extremely passive, even more so than attending

it the first time.

Your time is better spent reviewing the information, synthesizing it and doing active learning,

questions, flashcards, etcetera.

Do not rewatch the lectures or re-listen to recordings.

Use your textbook, other resources, your classmates or your professors office hours if you need

clarification.

Now, let's move on to textbooks.

I used to highlight the textbooks and read my highlights several times to review prior

to exams, but that’s obviously a terribly passive way to study.

Reviewing your PowerPoint slides or Word documents is equally ineffective.

Instead, make the process as active as you can, even at the time of initial exposure.

Using either your computer or notepad, summarize what you read into your own words.

By doing this, you are identifying the important information and organizing it in a way that

you will understand – this whole process will ultimately drastically improve your recall

during test time.

Lastly, let's cover memorization.

Memorization is arguably the toughest part of studying, at least for most students.

There are a few different methods you can use to memorize information much faster and

much more effectively.

First, summary sheets which some people like to call condensed notes.

One of the best ways to memorize is to summarize the information.

Let's say you have three pages of notes for one lecture.

Condense them into one page by organizing and restructuring the information into smaller

chunks.

And I don't just mean decreasing the font size, adjusting the margins, I mean actually

go through and read your notes carefully and extract the highest yield points and rephrase

them again into your own words.

This process of condensing alone is a form of active learning and it will reinforce the

material.

But now, you also have this condensed study resource that you can review at a later date.

One of the most powerful ways to memorize information is spaced repetition.

We know that repetition is key to memorization.

The idea here is that after each review, you can increase the interval between reviews.

For example, you are exposed to the information on day zero, then you see it again after 24

hours, then after that another 72 hours, etcetera.

Instead of reviewing it every day, you only review it right before you're about to forget.

To perform spaced repetition on your own requires a lot of scheduling and it's not feasible.

That's why you need to use software like Anki.

I have a playlist of tutorials that go over exactly how to use it.

I recommend that you make your own flashcards within Anki and review them daily.

By making your own cards (versus just taking someone else's), you are again taking advantage

of the active learning process.

Reviewing your cards daily is also key, because otherwise you won't be taking advantage of

the spaced repetition.

A big reason why flashcards are so effective is because you're using recall rather than

recognition.

Recognition shows you the right answer and you tell yourself, "Oh, yeah.

I recognize that."

Whereas recall requires you to extract the information on the fly which is ultimately

more similar to test day.

The beautiful thing about flashcards is you don't have to sit down and spend 30 or 60

minutes at once.

To get through all my cards each day I would just open the Anki app on my phone at any

brief moment of downtime.

I will go through cards when I was, you know, waiting in line at a restaurant or getting

groceries or waiting for a friend.

In those few minutes, I was able to perform a handful of cards but this adds up throughout

the day.

In order to sit down and review one lecture it's going to take you 20 minutes at least.

But if you do a few flashcards you just need a few minutes.

Now, these are all of the strategies that I honed during medical school.

If I went deep into each topic this video would be ten times the length.

If you'd like to know more about memorization, Pomodoro, the Fineman Technique, or any other

study strategy that I mentioned in this video, there are links down in the description to

teach you more.

Let me know down in the comments what your favorite study hack is or if you want me to

cover another study strategy in an upcoming video.

Thank you all so much for watching.

Happy studying.

Good luck.

And I will see you guys in that next one.

[Music]