Retrieving memories isn’t like checking out DVDs at Blockbuster (RIP). Each time you remember something you’re constructing a memory representation and relearning that information. Here’s why that means our learning strategies have to evolve with our career goals, from running Qbanks to studying with Human Dx.
Read moreHow to Apply Anki to Complex Diagrams: Breaking Down Differential Diagnoses
No matter your field or stage of learning, you'll likely need to learn complex algorithms. When you can't afford to miss things, "just understanding" isn't enough. Here's how Alex memorizes a differential diagnosis schema from the podcast Clinical Problem Solvers.
Read morePitch with Confidence: 3 strategies for remembering what you want to say
Though not strictly academic, the ability to say your spiel with confidence is beneficial to most of us. Alex and I try to make a point to never memorize lists we can write down (or Alexa can write for us), but there are just some things you want to be able to say fluently, whether for work or personal improvement.
Read moreResidency Interviewing: 3 Evidence-Based Learning Strategies Than Can Help
It's almost impossible to believe it’s been over a year since Cathy and I started the seemingly never-ending process of residency interviewing. Here are three evidence-based learning strategies I applied which made the interviewing ordeal a smidge more tolerable.
Read moreStudying In New Spaces
As residents, we now rarely have uninterrupted chunks of personal time to focus on learning, much less utilize the pomodoro method. Trying to recapture hidden time throughout the day means studying while waiting for coffee or waiting to pick up the car from the body shop. This new reality got Cathy thinking about the hidden benefits of studying away from her desk—and one classic research study that has always stuck with her.
Read moreHow to Use Memory Palaces to Learn Wound Repair
We recently got a question about using memory palaces to memorize the stages of wound healing and the key players at each stage. If you need to have this material on lock, then a palace is ideally suited for this topic. Each stage can be encoded using grouped loci (for example, each stage gets its own room, with several loci in each), which helps maintain the feel of chronicity between rooms.
Read moreThe Resident Educator: Asking Effective Questions
One of my favorite parts about being a resident is the chance to interact with medical students. Teaching is such a fantastic way to learn, and it can be a lot of fun, but even the best teachers can be less helpful than they think they are.
Read moreMemorizing Drug Trials and Clinical Studies
In medicine, it’s often not enough just to know the facts! We also need the scientific studies that back them up. The AFFIRM trial, ALLHAT trial, SPRINT trial, COURAGE trial... Here are some of Alex’s mnemonic tips for keeping the mountain of study names straight.
Read moreCramming: Misaligned Testing Incentives
Studies show that cramming may sometimes be more effective on immediate, non-cumulative tests. These kinds of rapid-fire exams are fairly common across the country. If cramming gets us the scores we want on these exams, what incentives do we have to space out our learning?
Read moreCramming: Skipping sleep for short-term gains
Cramming can actually leave learners feeling more satisfied. In fact, those who space out their learning often report feeling that their learning is inferior to cramming—even when they’re presented with their own objective gains in long-term retention.
Read moreCramming: I don't have time to study
One reason cramming feels good is that it requires very little planning. Most of the time, we’re faced with several different courses, all competing for our precious study time and with their own exam schedules. With the rapid march of each upcoming exam, it’s easier to just focus on what’s next. But you might have more time than you think.
Read moreCramming: The "Perks"
Most “professional” students will at some point find themselves in situations where the amount of material they need to learn far exceeds the amount of time they need to prove mastery. In this mini series, we will explore a couple of the factors at play, and how to tip the scales in favor of durable knowledge and the most efficient (and fun!) ways to achieve it.
Read moreMy Favorite Books: The Science of Achievement
High achievers are made, not born. Here are three of Alex’s favorite books that have led to real changes in how we think about success.
Read moreMy Favorite Books: Learning How to Learn
In researching evidence-based learning, we’ve encountered an avalanche of books, papers, blogs, and podcasts about learning how to learn effectively. It can seem overwhelming at times. A great place to begin is by picking a book and reading it cover to cover. Here are Alex’s favorites.
Read moreChunking: A Simple Way to Improve Memorability
Memory palaces nudge users into the practice of chunking, which is breaking down a larger pile of information into memorable groups so that it’s easier to remember. Here’s why that matters.
Read moreTouch It Once: The Value of Making Anki Cards Throughout My Day
A time management trick from an upper-level resident motivated me to try a new method for creating Anki cards while on the wards.
Read moreSpatial Memory in 2D: A Case for Taking Nonlinear Notes.
Are you someone who always remembers where on the page you wrote something? A simple note-taking method can harness that instinct to jumpstart your recall of new information.
Read moreLearning anatomy: a strategy for memorizing muscles
What's the best way to memorize the muscles of the arm? Cathy discusses her two-step approach to developing adaptive expertise in anatomy, which will play a big role in our future careers—scroll to the bottom to find out where we're headed next year!
Read moreOptimizing the Pomodoro Technique: Strategies for Maintaining Focus During Deep Work
I wrote last week about the Pomodoro Technique and its potential for fostering productive work. In the eight years I’ve applied the method, its focus-break-focus-break-etc prescription has worked wonders. Despite my best efforts, however, at times I still catch my mind wandering. The question becomes: How can I get the most out of my pomos? I discuss several strategies I’ve incorporated which help me keep distractions to a minimum.
Read moreThe Pomodoro Technique: Your Key to a Productive Day
Retrieval practice, spacing, the memory palace, and other evidence-based learning strategies will help you achieve your learning goals. However, without a schedule for implementing them in a focused way, you may find your efforts futile. In our age of distractions and socially acceptable multitasking, cutting through the chatter to focus is paramount. Enter the Pomodoro Technique.
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