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 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 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 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 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 moreThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Your Memory Palace)
Prone to a messy palace? Hop on the bandwagon and use Mari Kondo's method to keep a tidy space.
Read moreDoes your relationship make your memory better? Let’s talk transactive memory.
Does your relationship make your memory stronger? Check out our Valentine's Day post about transactive memory.
Read moreHit the Ground Running: A Quick Guide to Mastering the Memory Palace Before School Starts
We’ve received a few messages recently from people who are starting a professional school this year. While we love the memory palace technique, there can be a significant barrier to use, especially if you're about to enter a high-stakes learning environment. Here's an easy one-month ramp up to mastering the palace technique before you start a new learning adventure.
Read moreSilence Is Golden? White Noise, Coffee Shops, and the Learning Boost of Habituation
Do you prefer to work in silence? With music? The jury's still out on the benefits of white noise, but we've got our own preferences. Cathy shares her thoughts from a coffee shop.
Read moreNew Year's Resolutions for a Better Memory
Alex and I just got back from the beach with our families. Now that I’m back at my desk, I’m starting to look ahead at the new year, including writing resolutions. While I prefer to start self-improvement whenever inspirations strikes—even on a random day like December 28—I admit that a fresh “January 1” startline can be extra motivating. Here are three memory-related resolutions I’m considering.
Read moreIt's in the Genes: How to Memorize Tricky Number/Letter Associations
Our newest question comes from a reader who’s a medical student in Italy: “I use a lot the memory palace for my studies but I was wondering if you can help me to memorise in an easy way the genes, because they are made with letters and numbers for example: BRCA1, FGFR1, HLA, Cn3D.... something like this! I hope this can be helpful for all the other medical students.”
Read moreWalking on Sunshine
Rain or shine, we're out here walking our dog—turns out that helps with memory! A recent NY Times article reports that daily walks, even as short as 10 minutes, can give your memory a boost. Read the article, and Cathy's musings, here.
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