Learning / Revision/retention Tips

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I just wanted some advice from the DPodM' and lecturers from the site about how they manage to do so much reading and retain alot of the information. I’ve done all the usually- lectures and drop in sessions at my university about how to revise and retain using flashcards, (mind) maps formally known as brain storms, essay writing ect.ect. and just wondered how people like spooner and payne remember so much?? Maybe it’s just good genetics.

I love podiatry but i just seem to rush academically because I want to know everything, fast to help my patients as I’m only a 2nd year undergraduate. I’m not inept and I’m pushing a first so hopefully you guys will have some advice.

Thanks for any comments

 

The 5 "R's".......Read, Record, Reduce, Revise, Remember.

 

Hi Jon

It's one of those things - you really start learning when you're out doing the actual job for real. It seems to me that retension comes with experience - seeing the same things crop up time and time again, eventually it all begins to stick. Then you can start building on your knowledge base. Don't bog yourself down too much by trying to have everything in your brain at this stage - it'll be there when you need it!

 

I'm with Mr Kerans here.

My revision began after each lecture.

I reread my notes on the train home & rewrote them the same evening.

I still revised before each exam, although the remembering was easier.

Good luck. :drinks

 

Long term and short term memory are actually handled quite differently by the CNS.

Short term....a..ummmm....memory.....a.... what was your question again?

Steve

 

Hi,

I have the same problem as I am a student too but I prefer online tutorials and websites rather than books.
There is a good website for MSK conditions,it has case studies and tests at the end which are very useful.
http://www.jointzone.org.uk/

 

Jon/Nikki,

Don't spend that last fiver at the student union (snakebite and black is evil stuff anyway) - get this book instead. Whether you are a fan of Derren Brown or not it has a very good section on memory which can be easily applied to your studies. If nothing else it's an entertaining read and another powerful tool for your procrastination lockers

 

Thanks to everyone for thier advice, im sticking with the 5 Rs i think just because its what ive always done, Ella i completely understand what your saying but i feel i should know it all now which just stresses me out even more, especially when i have patients on clinic every week =S

 

Jon,
You will never know it all and any exam is going to be a stress - its how you use it to your advantage. If you have done the work to enable you to demonstrate competence, you have sufficient knowledge to practice safely. Then, in everyday practice, you continue to expand your knowledge base. Learning is ongoing and shouldn't be something to fear. Good luck.

 

Indeed - the day I think I know it all, is the day I give up!igs:

 

Jon one thing that worked well for me was use of Colour in note taking for exams.

Just like Mandy I re-wrote my notes but broke things into colours.

and used that same colour for the the same thing. Ie red for headings, blue for well you get the idea. As I reduced the notes to study notes the amount got less and the use of colour more.

it worked for me but everyone is wired a little different.

 

Jon,

I can relate to your experience in a sense that it can be sometimes difficult when u r faced with a case and u are trying to figure out what is wrong with the patient and what to feedback to the clinicians supervising but ur confidence will build up as u reach final year and like ev1 else has been saying u will pick up things quicker as u c similar cases and it will stick.
Best wishes