Does anyone have any suggestions on retaining information from books? I cant seem to retain information from my textbooks at all.
Coursework & Fieldwork Reccomendations on retaining book info
- Thread starter Person101
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I dunno if this'll help for you, but sometimes I like to make quizlet questions based on what I'm reading. This way you're thinking about what is important, how you would ask about it, and how you'd answer it.
Other things might be writing comments in your book/sticky notes, so you'll associate the notes with that thought. Then summarize/add an outline.
Everyone is different, though! Play around with different techniques.
Other things might be writing comments in your book/sticky notes, so you'll associate the notes with that thought. Then summarize/add an outline.
Everyone is different, though! Play around with different techniques.
I'm not in OT school, but I learn best by writing the info I need to remember and then using it (say it aloud, pretend you're teaching someone else). And, dont feel rushed; if you don't understand something, stop, reread the theory, think about it. Also, use visual aids and mnemonics when you can.
Lastly, believe in yourself! You can do it!
Lastly, believe in yourself! You can do it!
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Classes like biomechanics and anatomy I had to talk it out and explain it to others. It was not really much of a memorize and spit it out type of thing.
Skills based classes it was practice primarily. Didnt rely on the text.
Obviously it depends on your school and professors if they will give you obscure things to be tested on....
Skills based classes it was practice primarily. Didnt rely on the text.
Obviously it depends on your school and professors if they will give you obscure things to be tested on....
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If you feel super distracted or tired, then don't read. Because then you'll just be wasting your time. Find times (and a good spot.. library, coffeeshop, wherever) that you feel really alert and know you can focus. And I think it helps to have a highlighter or pen for notes. Because then it's a more interactive process rather than passively following text. I think reading out loud can be helpful too (if you're at home). And reading the textbook is often supplementary to powerpoints or lectures, yeah? So focus on those, and don't stress too much about needing to know absolutely *everything* in the texts.
disclaimer: not in OT school yet
disclaimer: not in OT school yet
Take notes by hand - yes, it's "old school", but there is research that shows that information is better retained when you go through the actual mechanics of writing things down versus typing notes on a computer. For subjects like Anatomy, it may help to draw and label pictures; I drew and redrew the brachial plexus, the muscles in the hand and arm, etc. (Just graduated from OT school 🙂).
