Chapter 5 : Am I doing it right ( 2 )

Chapter 5 : Am I doing it right ( 2 )

5.2 How do I study smart?

It is not enough to just study hard. Studying in a smart manner is the key to success in medical schools. I would like to stress the importance of the effective study methods, i.e. Output Learning, in contrast to input Learning.

Output Learning in contrast to Input Learning

Input Learning involves one to read and make notes. It has been shown to be highly ineffective and extremely tiring and boring. In contrast, Output Learning has been shown to be highly effective.

Steps in Output Learning:

* Read

* Recall

* Mind-mapping

* Review the map

* Recall the map and say it out.

Know what study habits suit you best. Whether you’re the type that learn better by listening, using visuals or jotting everything down, you can study better if you know your style.

Note :  MURDER study system

Mood :

# Set a positive mood for yourself to study in

# Select the appropriate time, environment and attitude

# Understand

# Mark any information you don’t understand in a particular unit

# Keep a focus on one unit or a manageable group of exercises

Recall :

# After studying the unit, stop and put what you have learned into your own words

Digest :

# Go back to what you did not understand and reconsider the information

# Contact external expert sources (e.g., other books or an instructor ) if you still cannot understand it

Expand :

# In this step, ask three kinds of questions concerning the studied material :

 a. If I could speak to the author, what questions would I ask or what criticism would I offer?

 b. How could I apply this material to what I’m interested in?

 c. How could I make this information interesting and understandable to other students?

Review :

# Go over the material you’ve covered

# Remember what strategies helped you understand and / or retain information.

# Apply these strategies to your future studying.

(How to become a good & successful medical student; Muhaya Hj Mohamad)