How to Study Effectively and Pass Exams | Tips From a Doctor 📚
In today’s episode I take you through my ultimate study tips to help you succeed in your examinations.
LEARNER TYPES
Take time to work out what kind of learner you are.
- Physical: where you carry out physical tasks to learn things better.
- Listener: those who absorb the most information from lectures or auditory seminars.
- Social: learn best in a group of people.
- Solitary learners: prefer to learn alone.
- Verbal: respond well to written or spoken words and make use of acronyms.
- Logical: Use their logic to learn effectively.
TIMING
Studying for an examination requires a certain degree of timing. Starting too early can lead to burn out, and starting to study too late can mean a lot of cramming which then can lead to missing out important subjects but also only stores information in the short term memory. For my own studies, I realised that allowing myself 10 weeks prior to my examinations gave me ample time to learn my modules. If, for example I had 7 modules, I would allocate one week per module leaving 3 extra weeks spare to complete any outstanding tasks but also to have a ‘final’ revision of all 7 modules briefly ready for the examination.
ROUTINE
Give your self a daily schedule. Allocate time during the day to study and reward yourself with breaks once you have achieved something. Don’t forget to get outside and remain active. Smelling some fresh air can help to keep you revitalised and feel more alert for when you do get back to studying. Be sure to fuel your body with healthy food. This is not only important for your physical health but also for your mental health. Snacking on unhealthy fat-laden foods will make you feel lethargic and less energetic having a negative impact on your ability to study. Instead keep hydrated with water, fresh fruit and veg and have your healthy dose of protein each day. As well as keeping your food sources up, be sure to have a good night’s sleep everyday, sleeping helps up to remember what we have learned throughout the day but it also gives you the chance to recharge your batteries ready for the next day.
NOTE KEEPING
This will have to be what’s best for you, however, I found that by keeping short concise bullet points for notes was more effective than trying to learn long prose answers. You may wish to write those bullet points on a flash card or, if like me you’re a visual learner - mind maps. As an example, I would put the topic in the centre of page and branch out important information in the form of bullet points. From here, I highlight the different sub-topics with coloured highlighter pens. When it came to examination time, I would be able to think back to my mind map and colours and be able to recite those important bullet points when required.
REPETITON
We learn by repeating actions over and over again. This is thanks to a scientific process called synaptic consolidation which is where the neurones - our information carriers - actually get stronger the more we repeat a memory.
TEST
You may find it useful to have a dress-rehearsal of what your examination will be like. As a medical student, we would ask the previous years for practice examination questions and some would also be provided to us by the medical school. If you don’t have access to practice questions, you could try to explain a topic to your colleagues, this could be a useful technique if you are a social learner.
ENJOY
If you have managed to study effectively then your examination period should be a time where you can 'show off’ your knowledge and show case all your hard work. If you don’t manage to pass this time, don’t fear, there will always be another opportunity.
CHAPTERS
0.20 Introduction
1:05 Learner Types
2:50 Timing
6:15 Note Keeping
9:15 Repetition
10:15 Test Your Knowledge
13:29 Enjoy
14.34 Conclusions
I hope you enjoyed this video and as always if you have any questions or comments please drop me in a line below.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Starting a Medical Centre: https://youtu.be/owEvktloCOo
Becoming a Doctor: https://youtu.be/aAz0PKvaJDE
Inside a Medical Centre: https://youtu.be/4DitUGWWBSg
Health Tips: https://youtu.be/XMzA3l9iT20
Take care and stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora 💉
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The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting individualised advice by an accredited healthcare professional.