Strategic Learning for Medical School

Strategic Learning for Medical School

Best practices for learning and studying:

Ø While studying, look for those parts and concepts that "don't fit"

Ø Capitalize on the "medical problem solving process" for learning basic science with a "clinical orientation"

Ø Write down concepts and information you don't understand in the form of questions; then look for answers in your textbooks, listen for answers in lecture, and discuss the questions with study partners

Ø Study at least one half hour each day

Ø Study regularly with a productive, compatible group of around 4 students

Ø Use the preview, review method for new topics

Ø Get an overview of the scheduled topic before class when possible

Ø Study fact-based and process-based topics together, for example, study anatomy with physiology, pharmacology with biochemistry

Ø Use concept maps, cognitive maps, or charts to organize study materials and course notes, link the main concepts by defining their operational relationships and/or links

Ø Discuss your maps with study partners, explain your thought process in creating the map

Ø It's difficult to memorize everything, try "chunking" bits of information together as a concept and memory aid