How to help struggling classmates?

[epsilonprodigy]

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I have a couple of friends who are really struggling this semester. (I'm a first year.) One in particular is currently not passing, even though she seems to study really hard and always seems to know her stuff (sometimes better than most of us!) As for me, sometimes I honor, sometimes I don't, but I usually hit at least mid-80's.

I want to help, but I don't want to be a douche about it. I think this person might be too proud to ask for help, but I don't want to be one of those holier-than-thou advice-givers, either. What do you guys think? Anyone been able to subtly help a classmate without undermining them even further? Talking out the material in a group setting doesn't seem to help that much.

 

[pdxhopeful]

It's definitely a delicate issue, and I give you props for wanting to be a support without being overbearing. Since you say she seems on top of the material, if I had to put money on it I'd guess the problem lies somewhere in the test-taking process (test anxiety, tendency to misread questions, etc.). That even adds another layer of complexity since just saying 'hey, why don't we study ___together?' isn't likely to benefit her. If you chat about study/test strategies you might offer a couple ideas that have worked for you with that caveat.

 

[tobi44]

I have a couple of friends who are really struggling this semester. (I'm a first year.) One in particular is currently not passing, even though she seems to study really hard and always seems to know her stuff (sometimes better than most of us!) As for me, sometimes I honor, sometimes I don't, but I usually hit at least mid-80's.

I want to help, but I don't want to be a douche about it. I think this person might be too proud to ask for help, but I don't want to be one of those holier-than-thou advice-givers, either. What do you guys think? Anyone been able to subtly help a classmate without undermining them even further? Talking out the material in a group setting doesn't seem to help that much.

tough situation......In my experience as a struggling med student, your classmate's problem is probably mostly due to not dedicating enough time to studying or is not being effective in her studying. "Seeming" to study hard is pretty subjective. Maybe you see her in the library for hours, but there is no real way to know if she is retaining the information. Maybe she can recall a few factoids here and there, but that is not indicative if she is grasping the important material.

Either way, I don't think giving her the tips that worked for you will be necessarily helpful. For me, I remember pumping everyone I knew for advice and NOTHING worked (stuff like tutoring, textbooks, review books, ect) till I did the following two things.......1)started dedicating over 40 hours a week to studying 2) found a routine that worked for me so that I could maintain those hours longterm.

The difference between failing a med school class and passing is usually time management. The difference between getting an A and B in a med school school is probably due to more/less effective techniques of study, which is where your advice would be helpful.

I don't think it would be over-bearing to ask if she wants help. Approach it in a non threatening way.....like ask her what she does to study or how many hours she is studying. Or if she would like to trade techniques of studying. If she doesn't seem receptive then back off though. For the most part, this is something she is going to need to figure out herself. You are not going to be able to tell one or two things that will magically make her pass, she is the only one who can figure out what she needs to do to retain the information

 

[girlonfire]

Anyone been able to subtly help a classmate without undermining them even further? Talking out the material in a group setting doesn't seem to help that much.

I know how you feel. And it seems like certain classmates of mine aren't willing to accept help or admit to having a tough time. My advice is to just be aware of their level of receptiveness and let them dictate how you help.