How would you study for this class?

[han14tra]

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For MCBM (molecular bio, cell physio, bio chem, genetics), we are given a packet of lecture notes. We don't use a textbook (only for reference). Therefore, all of the questions come from the lecture or the lecture notes. I could just passively read the notes over and over until I memorized it all, but I don't really learn it unless I'm trying to organize it, put it in my own words, and look up additional information if I don't understand. My problem is that it takes forever because I'm basically re-writing the entire packet of lecture notes (after all, every detail is important we've been told). I add info and re-organize it. I seem to learn more this way, but how efficient is it? Is there a better way? I'm afraid I won't have time to go back and actually memorize the info.

 

[fahimaz7]

Maybe you should rewrite your own notes. Don't copy the packet.. Just do the important stuff. That's what I do. I actually write it several times over the course of the module

 

[han14tra]

Maybe you should rewrite your own notes. Don't copy the packet.. Just do the important stuff. That's what I do. I actually write it several times over the course of the module

I re-write it in my own words and organize better. The problem is I'm writing everything because EVERYTHING in it is important unlike a textbook. Am I wasting my time? Or, is this ok?

 

[DrYoda]

I just read the packets until I have it memorized. But everyone has their own style.

 

[PSUtoMD]

I re-write it in my own words and organize better. The problem is I'm writing everything because EVERYTHING in it is important unlike a textbook. Am I wasting my time? Or, is this ok?

That's essentially what I've done since I started med school. I'm an M2, and I've honored every class since I got to medical school.

Sure, it might not be the most efficient method, and it's frustrating at times, but the results are what I wanted, so there's that at least.

 

[fahimaz7]

I re-write it in my own words and organize better. The problem is I'm writing everything because EVERYTHING in it is important unlike a textbook. Am I wasting my time? Or, is this ok?

There's no way that everything is important. If it's anything like our class, they make 3-5 questions/hour of lecture. If it's a 10 page packet then there are normally 4-5 "key" topics.

Those are the important ones.

Medical school sucks the life out of you b/c of the time commitment (if you want A's that is).

 

[Jolie South]

This is how pretty much all of our classes are. I read packets and powerpoints until I know them. I also make electronic flashcards.

 

[njbmd]

For MCBM (molecular bio, cell physio, bio chem, genetics), we are given a packet of lecture notes. We don't use a textbook (only for reference). Therefore, all of the questions come from the lecture or the lecture notes. I could just passively read the notes over and over until I memorized it all, but I don't really learn it unless I'm trying to organize it, put it in my own words, and look up additional information if I don't understand. My problem is that it takes forever because I'm basically re-writing the entire packet of lecture notes (after all, every detail is important we've been told). I add info and re-organize it. I seem to learn more this way, but how efficient is it? Is there a better way? I'm afraid I won't have time to go back and actually memorize the info.

If you already have the lecture note, you can preview them, listen to the lecture and review them after the lecture (filling in anything that you need to add).

At that point, you don't need to re-write but organize (concept map) what is already there. At that point, you should have them organized in you mind if you have been able to concept map the notes.

If you can concept map, then the details essentially take care of themselves in your mind and you don't end up just recopying for the sake of recopying without actually putting the material in perspective.

You could also circle, with a highlighter, the material as it is connected in lecture and then use your annotated lecture notes to map the concepts.

How efficient you are depends on how you are doing on your exams. If your system isn't working, then you adjust it. If you are not attending lecture and just staring at notes, you are likely not very efficient.

 

[zinki949]

Definately study to the point where you will rewrite the packets. It won't ever be a waste of time if you can make the information yours.

I had a class during my first year where the professor purposely gave us "unorganized" packets. He was trying to teach us to interpret and make the information ours.

 

[45408]

I just read the packets until I have it memorized. But everyone has their own style.

That's what I did. The first time through, I highlighted the things I didn't already know, so the second and third time through, I just read what was highlighted. If there was a strange concept or a unique clinical correlate, I'd write it in the margins.