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Asked by nav1 to Indi, Jarv, John, Ken, Vicky on 19 Mar 2012.
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Vicky Young answered on 19 Mar 2012:
Oooh this is a golden question! I would say et into small groups of around 4 people who are all studying the same thing. Then go study a chapter of that topic by yourselves one night. The next night meet up and talk about the topic for an hour. Make sure you start with the basics and really simple details. Then continue into the more complex parts. Try to make it a discussion and talk about what areas are confusing and try to figure it out as a group. try not to use notes when doing this. It will make it much harder but you will learn so much more. Also make sure that it’s not a competition and allow everyone in the group to ask anything they want, no matter how silly it basic. It also helps if you draw up the information on a white board.
This studying then recalling the information can make you learn the information on a much deeper level. It’s similar to problem based learning which medical students do in groups of around 8 and has been shown to help them recall information.
But also general line studying advice of regular breaks and snacks can help. Look at the ponorado technique online. Basically you set a timer for 25 mins and study without a break for 25 mins. Then when the timer goes have a 5 minute timed break to do anything you like. Then study for 25 mins again. Repeat 4 times and then have a 30 min break. There is app’s online for it or you can use any timer but make sure you use a timer! It works for me when I’m writing big pieces of work!
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Ken Dutton-Regester answered on 19 Mar 2012:
I have also heard you can do a psychology trick to help you out on the test day- basically when you study, you try and replicate the same environment as the room you will study in. So basically, no music, quiet room, bottle of water, sitting at a desk, etc. This way, when you get into the test, you subconsciously revert to when you were studying and memory recall is easier. Sort of like when you are meant to do something, but can’t remember, if you head back to where you last remembered the idea it helps jog your memory (or same as when you lost something so you head back to where you last remember seeing it). Not sure if it works though, I tried to do it and I think it worked- not sure if it has been trialled and tested in larger numbers.
Another trick that I used to do was write key questions down on a peice of paper as I thought of them. I would then go over them the next day and also periodically leading up to the test. You quickly begin to realise which parts of the material you know and which bits you need more revision for. It is a bit of an initial time investment writing the questions, but I found that this helped me out alot.
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Indi Ghangrekar answered on 19 Mar 2012:
To strengthen those brain connections, it’s best to try a couple of methods at the same time – like reading aloud to yourself, writing out the info, drawing diagrams and discussing the topics with friends. This way the information gets stored more strongly!
One thing that medical students learn for becoming doctors is that the best way to learn something is to: see one, do one, teach one – so, read up about something, write it out and then teach your friend or parents all about it.
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