Best Books on Improving Memory and Reading Comprehension For Medical School?

[Confused 20]

I recently had an meeting with an individual who was attempting to assist me with improving my study techniques. He suggested that I utilize active learning such as using the Cornell-Note Taking Method, Mind Maps, Flow Charts and the SQ3R method. He informed me that these aforementioned study and reading methods were the best approaches to utilize to maximize my learning and storage of information. He also stated that these methods have proven useful for medical students. Does anyone on this forum utilize any of the aforementioned methods? If so, how well do they work for you and would you recommend these methods to all types of students? If anyone utilizes any other methods that you may believe would work well for other students, please share these methods.

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[Confused 20]

I am interested in finding books and methods on improving memory and reading comprehension so that I may prepare for medical school. Would anyone be so kind as to provide me any recommendations? What are some of the more popular books and/or websites on these aforementioned subjects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Moosecakes]

Interested in the responses...

 

[muhali3]

"Brain rules"

here is the site that accompanies the book: http://www.brainrules.net/the-rules

 

[Danlee07]

notecards will save your life
learning to improve your integration of the knowledge would be more important

 

[iwantMD]

May be having a full sized human brain might help? Juuust kinding.

I think I would suggest being regular as important. If you plan to study 4-8 everyday then no matter what study 4-8 everyday.

Also I would suggest doing aerobics for like 10 min to really get blood pumping. Why? I dont know. I think it helps you think better probably because all that blood that is reaching the brain.

 

[muhali3]

Aerobic exercise stimulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which is the structure responsible for storing and maintaining memories.

 

[LaZigeuner]

Here are 3 books I have.

Study Without Stress was recommended on this board somewhere. I've used some of the techniques/suggestions in o-chem and bio. Definitely worth putting in the time to conscientiously follow the suggestions in here.

Also, I'm trying to improve my test-taking skills along with VR, and these I found these 2 other books. I'm currently beginning ch 2 in Asking the Right Questions, so am reserving judgment on it, though I'm cautiously optimistic that it'll be good for me.

I also have Problem Solving and Comprehension, for test-taking/reading comprehension/critical thinking. I haven't started it yet, but it looks promising (found it while I was looking around Amazon for the Asking book). It mentions helping for tests including the MCAT and Step 1.

good luck! 🙂

 

[immonpath]

+1
For asking the right questions, at least for me.

 

[Disinence2]

Everyone learns differently.

I never have put to much stock in these assorted "learning" strategies. The only person I knew who ever used them ended up repeating first year.

You will learn how to study during your first year. It will be hard to prepare.

Just keep this in mind during your medical school orientation when everyone tries to give you these study strategies. Also don't be intimidated by classmates who seem to go over board, or take ton's of notes.

Just cause 1 person studies all night every night doesn't mean you have to.

My Tips - Study the stuff you hate way more than the stuff your interested in
Give yourself way more time than you think you need.

Time + Motivation is all you need.

Good luck

 

[Kimaris]

http://calnewport.com/blog/ is the only thing you need. He lays down explicit methods of retaining information for different classes.

 

[muhali3]

http://calnewport.com/blog/ is the only thing you need. He lays down explicit methods of retaining information for different classes.

👍 i like it