Becoming an 'active learner' during second year?

[carrigallen]

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I am starting second year (MSII). I admittedly slept through most of first-year without paying much attention or thinking about long-term retention.

With Step I and the clinical years looming, now I feel like I need to be learning more for future patients, and to understand the diseases. I want to learn in ways that makes the material stick; seeing photos, solving cases, etc.

What are some ways to become an 'active learner'?

 

[Back34]

I don't know if you'd consider this an "active" learning technique, but studying the material the night before lecture really helped me retain it. I really didn't have to take any notes during lecture, was able to pay attention that much better, and only had to gloss over the material on the weekend to really get it into the ol' noggin. Regrettably, I abandoned my strategy during most of 2nd year and paid for it 😡

 

[DrDre']

I haven't gone to class since mid 1st semester. I take responsibility for my learning. When I have a question, I answer it with a review book or uptodate. One way to become active is to start studying for boards early in an organ-based manner. If possible, follow the organ your school is. Start with embryology then go to gross, phys, path, pharm and micro. Do this for each organ system. This helps put all the pieces together. I found it to actually be fun as this was for me and my pts. The perk is it is a great way to study for boards as well.
If you are comfortable with the basics, you can ask more sophisticated questions in small grps and lectures.
Good luck

 

[HiddenTruth]

I was wondering on a similar note that when you guys "actively" study, do you write out stuff in the margins, or re-write a section in your own words, make charts, anything of that sort? Or simply read, isn't that much more passive?

Additionally, I tend to be OCD with highlighting--any ways to limit that or prevent that? Cool, fill me in with some strategies--I am preparing for step 1.

HT

 

[DrDre']

Annotate your FA and Step Up with more HY info. Begin with embryo and trace development, see why congenital defects arise, how they cx pathology., then see how you would treat with pharm or surg. By studying something from the beginning to its logical end, it helps you fully synthesis and solidify your knowledge. This is what helped me most for step 1. And although my step 1 knowledge is falling out of my head at an alarming rate, I feel that my background and "real" understanding remains strong- this is not possible with memorization and cramming.

Good luck!

 

[carrigallen]

bumping this thread..

 

[ItsGavinC]

I'm interested in this subject also. I'm paying a hefty tuition, so I want to get all I can out of my education.

 

[carrigallen]

bumping this thread again - do any students have active learning strategies to contribute?

I find that I can't rote-memorize, it works better if it has context and visual meaning. And solving scenarios or independently looking things up tends to make them stick more. Our neuroscience professor said that study activities that engage more neurons will make learning easier. I also find it is better to study in the late morning and noon times.

 

[DrDre']

I paid $20k/yr to sit at home or the cafe' and study 1st and 2nd year. I would have paid more if I could have lived elsewhere and showed up only for tests and no small groups!



Try the "sink or swim" method. Stop going to class, don't go to tutor or study groups, grab the syllabus and study it. When you don't understand something, research it until you do.

It takes a little practice but your comprehension and synthesis will be superior. This will show up on the MLE.

 

[closertofine]

I'm still an MSI, but I'm struggling already with all the material. I was surprised to find that going to lecture does seem to help me (although I've missed several lately due to sleeping in)...but I'm wondering about the best way to study "actively" outside of class.

I have some Step I and other review books (free books that med students were giving away)...would it be helpful to study from these as a part of my preparation for exams?