3 tips on how to study effectively

During their training, medical residents acquire a wide range of techniques and procedures aimed at saving lives. The ability to remember and apply these skills is of utmost importance. As shown in a study conducted in 2006, surgical residents who were learning the art of suturing arteries were divided into two distinct groups.

All of the participants received identical study materials, however, there was one group that implemented a subtle modification to their study approach. When a comparative examination was conducted a month later, it was discovered that this particular group exhibited a higher level of surgical performance in contrast to the other groups. In this article, we will delve into the undisclosed secret behind their success, as well as introduce two highly efficient study techniques that can be applied both within the classroom setting and outside of it. To commence, let us delve into the process of how the brain effectively acquires and retains information.

Imagine you're in the process of memorizing the intricate details of the heart's anatomy. When you are first introduced to a new concept, the information is stored in specific clusters of neurons within a region of the brain known as the hippocampus. As you continue to delve deeper into the workings of the heart during classroom sessions or while studying its chambers in preparation for an exam, these very same neurons are reactivated. This repetitive firing of neurons reinforces the connections between the cells, ultimately stabilizing the memory of the heart's anatomy.

The heart anatomy is stored long-term, involving the neocortex. Transferring information from short-term to long-term storage is not well understood, but occurs between study sessions and during sleep. New knowledge integrates with existing concepts like measuring heart rate and anatomy of other organs. The process continues beyond this.

Each time you recall heart anatomy, you reactivate and update long-term memory, enhancing its integration with other information. Testing yourself with flashcards and quizzes actively strengthens memory. However, familiar study methods like rereading textbooks and highlighting notes can create a false sense of competence.

Testing yourself helps gauge what you know and making mistakes can improve long-term learning. Flashcards should be mixed with multiple subjects to improve retention. Cycling through different subjects forces your brain to forget and retrieve information, strengthening memory.

Spacing out your review over several days provides an opportunity for rest and sleep between study sessions. During this "offline" period, the brain remains active as it stores and connects new information in the neocortex. Thus, although it may seem logical to cram the night before an exam in order to have the material fresh in your mind, this approach does not lead to long-term retention of the information .

When considering our medical residents, it is important to mention that both groups devoted the same duration to the surgical procedures. Additionally, it is valuable to take into account the amount of effort put forth by these residents in their dedication to learning and mastering these practices.

The training for one group was condensed into a single day, while the training for the other more successful group was extended over a period of four weeks.

One of the main reasons why all three of these study techniques are effective is because they have been specifically designed to cater to the needs and capabilities of the human brain.

Complementation and reinforcement are integral to supporting the extraordinary functionality of the brain, adeptly organizing and retaining the copious amount of information it receives on a daily basis.

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