Whether you are studying in a medical school or nursing college, building positive studying habits is important for medical students to achieve academic success. The intimidating course load, unfamiliar material, class quizzes, and unlimited assignments make it difficult for students to stay on top of their studies. Many students struggle hard to establish a study routine and follow it strictly, while some have difficulty learning, remembering and retaining information.
The pressure of scoring an impressive GPA will make things more difficult for students and they can’t be able to focus on their studies. Absorbing complex concepts and retaining information take time and dedication. Fortunately, there are some research-based studying techniques that can help students to ensure maximum retention.
Let’s figure out how medical students can maintain their focus, increase their retention ability and study smarter.
1. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is one of the most effective learning strategies that help medical students understand the important concepts. This study method involves a visual design of the main topic and other information related to the concept. It is a meaningful learning process that helps students connect the dots between the central topic and subtopics. With the help of mental triggers such as colors, images, connections, mind maps help your brain store the most important information and retain it for long.
According to a study, mind mapping is an effective study technique that can increase retention by 10%-15%. This engaging and active learning method makes learning easier and helps your brain solve complex problems and understand the topic with more clarity.
2. Take a Study Break
If you have a study routine that includes hours of studying without a break, then you need to include a relaxing break in your study routine. Studies show that taking a break from your study session and changing your scenery can have a positive impact on your mood. This strategy also works for maintaining your concentration and improving your ability to focus on your work. Whether you are working on your assignment or preparing for a quiz, you can take a break. Leave your study area and find a place to refresh your mind.
Taking a study break doesn’t mean scrolling through Instagram or Facebook for hours or watching videos on YouTube. Involve your mind in activities that are good for your mind such as:
- Go for a walk
- Meditate
- Call a friend
- Take a shower
- Complete an errand
- Do exercise
3. Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is an effective time management system, helping students to increase their focus by taking frequent short breaks. In this method, you are supposed to break your task into a 25-minute slot separated by 5-20-minute breaks. These short breaks are Pomodoros. The goal of this study technique is to create a sense of urgency so that you can complete the task on time.
It is an effective strategy to increase your focus, reduce mental stress and encourage sustained concentration. This time management technique can also reduce mental fatigue and achieve optimal productivity. With the Pomodoro technique, you can keep yourself motivated and avoid distractions.
4. Take Practice Tests
Many students can’t be able to deal with test anxiety, which might have a negative impact on their performance. To keep yourself confident and composed, taking practice tests is a sensible idea. Taking practice tests before the actual exam day can help you prepare for the real challenge. Furthermore, it is a great strategy to figure out knowledge gaps in your studies.
Fortunately, the internet is filled with a variety of question banks that you can use to prepare for your exams. All you need is to take as many tests as possible to get yourself acquainted with the exam format so that you can perform at your best on the actual test day. You can also hire a tutor, for instance if your math’s is weak than you look for maths tuition online to get better marks in exam season.
5. Say No to Multitasking
It’s no surprise that medical students are jam packed with too many assignments, class quizzes, lab work, and other academic activities. But that doesn’t mean to complete your assignment while watching an anatomy video. Pay your full attention to one task so that you don’t end up studying for longer than you actually need.
Doing two or more tasks at a time will only distract you from completing a single task. It is advised to create a study schedule and dedicate separate slots for doing multiple tasks. This way you can better manage your academic tasks and achieve a balance between your studies and free time.
6. Use Flashcards for Better Retention
Flashcards are undoubtedly a useful study technique that can have a positive impact on your memory retention. Medical students have to memorize a lot of study material in a very amount of time. Thanks to flashcards, a memory-aid tool that helps students to memorize key points. You can create your own flashcards and carry them with you wherever you want.
It is an incredible study technique that allows your brain to recall important information and encourages your brain to remember the term or process. It is an effective memorization method that helps students learn the complex concepts and perform outstandingly in exams.
Final Words These are a few proven and research-based study techniques that you can adopt to become a successful student. Adopting a suitable study method is the key to doing your best during your academic career, retain maximum information and score a high GPA. Happy studying!