Effective
Study
Techniques:
Empowering
Medical
Students for
Success
• Mohammed K. Nagshabandi, MBBS, MSc, PhD
• Assistant Professor – University of Jeddah
12 – 12:10 Open discussion
(perception, thoughts, expectations,
previous experiences)
Timetable
12:10 – 12:35 How to Study
Effectively?
12:35 – 12:45 Closing remarks and
questions
Attendance
Objectives
• Debunk common misconceptions
about learning.
• Understand the key principles of
effective learning.
• Discuss effective learning strategies
in medical education.
• Apply effective learning strategies .
Introduction
• The content of this lecture
is based on the findings
from the book "Make it
Stick: The Science of
Successful Learning" by
Peter C. Brown, Henry L.
Roediger, and Mark A.
McDaniel.
Learning
• Shallow vs. Deep Learning:
• Shallow: Memorization without true
understanding.
• Deep: Comprehensive grasp,
application in various contexts.
• Memory in Learning:
• Encoding: Converting info for memory
storage.
• Storage: Retaining the encoded info.
• Retrieval: Recalling stored info as
required.
• “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t
understand it well enough” – Albert
Einstein
Misconceptions
About Learning
• Repeated exposure, easy
activities, and speedy practices
promote learning.
• learning is best achieved when
focusing on a single topic or
activity.
Myths vs. Facts about Learning
• Myth: Repeated exposure, easy activities, and efficient practices
promote learning.
• Fact: Active retrieval improves knowledge and retention.
• Myth: Learning is best when focused on a single topic or activity.
• Fact: Interleaving or spaced varied practice improves retention and
knowledge.
Myths vs. Facts about
Learning
• Myth: Learning should be easy, and mistakes
impede learning.
• Fact: "Desirable difficulties" enhance learning.
• Myth: Reviewing, rereading, and highlighting are
effective study strategies.
• Fact: Elaboration, generation, and reflection are
more effective.
Myths vs. Facts about
Learning
• Myth: We're good judges of our own
abilities.
• Fact: Many overestimate their skills,
especially the least competent.
• Myth: Learning styles dictate the
most effective way for someone to
learn.
• Fact: Learning preferences don't
equate to effective learning styles.
Myths vs. Facts about
Learning
• Myth: All learners are cognitively the
same.
• Fact: Structure builders and fluent
readers tend to learn better.
• Myth: "A" students or "smart people"
learn the most efficiently.
• Fact: Individuals with a growth mindset
are often the most effective learners.
Common Misconceptions
About Learning
• Re-reading & Cramming: Often believed
effective but lead to false mastery and
poor long-term retention.
• Repetitive Practice: Mastery isn't just
through repetition; interleaved practice
(mixing topics) is more effective.
• Testing Viewpoint: Seen as an unwanted
necessity, yet retrieval practice via testing
strengthens memory and enhances
learning.
Key Principles for
Effective Learning
• Elaboration: This involves integrating new
information with existing knowledge. For example,
explaining a concept to someone else or relating
new information to what you already know.
• Interleaving: This is the practice of mixing different
topics or subjects to improve learning. It helps to
reinforce the connections between different
concepts and facilitates the application of
knowledge in different contexts.
Key Principles for
Effective Learning
• Spaced Repetition: This involves spacing out
practice or study sessions over time to enhance
memory retention. It is more effective than
massed practice (cramming) because it allows
the brain to consolidate the information and
reduces the risk of forgetting.
• Retrieval Practice: Actively recalling
information strengthens memory and
facilitates learning. It is more effective than
simply re-reading or reviewing the material.
Key Principles for
Effective Learning
• Dual Coding: This involves using verbal and visual
information together to enhance learning. For
example, combining text with images or diagrams.
• Metacognition: This involves self-monitoring and
self-evaluation of one's learning process. It helps to
identify strengths and weaknesses and adjust study
strategies accordingly.
Application in Medical
Education
• Self-directed learning and independent
study.
• Group discussions and collaborative
learning.
• Case-based learning.
• Clinical rotations and simulations.
Tips to Apply Effective
Learning Techniques
• Plan and schedule your study
sessions.
• Use active learning techniques.
• Regularly test yourself.
• Reflect on your learning.
Challenges in learning
• Time management issues.
• Lack of motivation.
• Distraction.
• Difficulty in altering established study habits.
Overcoming
Challenges
• Addressing your specific challenges directly.
• Seeking external support early on and when
needed.
• Successful implementation demands discipline,
persistence, and adaptability.
Effective Learning
Systems
• PQ4R: How to read for
comprehension?
• Preview – Question – Read –
Reflect – Recite – Review.
• SQ3R: Reading/Study System
• Survey – Question – Read –
Recite – Review.
Conclusion
• In summary, effective study techniques for medical students involve retrieval practice,
interleaving, desirable difficulties, elaboration, generation, reflection, overcoming the
illusion of knowing, dispelling the myth of learning styles, and promoting a growth
mindset.
• As future medical professionals, it is crucial to adopt effective study strategies to ensure
success in medical school and beyond
• Remember, the path to mastery involves effort, active engagement, and a growth
mindset.
Evaluation
The 5 Rs of Note Taking
01
02
03
04
05
Record – there
should be
somewhere to take
our notes.
Reduce – there
should be
somewhere to
summarize those
notes.
Recite – there needs
to be an easy way to
test ourselves using
our notes.
Reflect – our notes
should be related to
other notes we’ve
already written.
Review – we should
regularly revisit our
notes to ensure
maximum retention.
Myth: Students don't need to
understand how learning works.
For
Instructors:
Myths to
Dispel
Myth: It's solely students'
responsibility to learn how to study.
Myth: Educators should aim to make
learning easy.
Myth: Instructors shouldn't explain
their instructional methods.
• Explain the Science of Learning: Emphasize the
importance of effort, the ineffectiveness of easy
strategies, the significance of overcoming
challenges, and the benefits of a growth mindset.
Recommendations
for Instructors
• Teach Effective Study Methods: Advise against
cramming, promote retrieval practices, encourage
varied learning methods, and suggest tools like
mnemonic devices and flashcards.
• Introduce "Desirable Difficulties": Use frequent
quizzes and assignments that require generation,
elaboration, and reflection.
• Be Transparent: Clearly communicate the reasons
behind chosen teaching methods and the benefits
of certain challenges in the learning process.
Closing Discussion
Thank you
Useful
Resources
• https://makeitstick.net
• https://slideplayer.com/slide/12940707/
• https://blog.apaonline.org/2020/02/19/take
aways-from-make-it-stick-the-science-ofsuccessful-learning/
• https://medicine.llu.edu/academics/resourc
es/pq4r-how-read-book-comprehension
• https://ucc.vt.edu/academic_support/study
_skills_information/sq3r_readingstudy_system.html
• https://aliabdaal.com/studying/