9 Study Techniques that got me through Cambridge Medical School *science-backed*

Dr. Izzy Sealey
2 Jul 202215:42
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, Izzy, a final-year medical student at Cambridge University, shares her top nine study techniques that helped her succeed in medical school. She covers strategies like 'Eat the Frog,' the Pomodoro Technique, understanding before memorization, the Feynman Technique, practice testing, spaced repetition, memorization techniques, creating a study schedule, and regularly reassessing study methods and well-being.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Start with the most difficult topics first, as advised by the 'Eat the Frog' technique, to prioritize challenging subjects and improve overall study efficiency.
  • 🕒 Use the Pomodoro Technique for focused study sessions, alternating between 25 minutes of intensive work and 5-minute breaks, to enhance productivity and maintain concentration.
  • 🧠 Prioritize understanding over memorization to build a strong mental model of the subject matter, and use memorization to fill in gaps where necessary.
  • 👨‍🏫 Apply the Feynman Technique by explaining concepts to others in a simple way to ensure a deep understanding of the topic and to facilitate teaching.
  • 📝 Engage in practice testing and active recall to strengthen memory retention, as actively retrieving information from memory is more effective than passive reading.
  • 🔁 Utilize spaced repetition to combat the forgetting curve, revisiting information at optimal intervals to move it from short-term to long-term memory.
  • 🔑 Employ memorization techniques like mnemonics and mind maps to remember complex or lengthy information more effectively.
  • 💡 Create personal connections to new information, especially in language learning, to make it more relatable and memorable.
  • 🗓️ Develop a study schedule that includes rest and track progress to maintain a routine, avoid all-nighters, and ensure a balanced approach to learning.
  • 🔄 Continuously reassess study methods and well-being to adapt to changing needs and ensure a healthy balance between academic and personal life.
Q & A

  • What is the main theme of Izzy's video?

    -The main theme of Izzy's video is to share science-based study tips that help viewers study smarter, not harder, and to provide insights on how to effectively learn and retain information.

  • Who is Izzy and what is her educational background mentioned in the video?

    -Izzy is a final year medical student at Cambridge University who has just finished all of her exams at Cambridge Medical School and passed them all.

  • Why is learning how to learn considered important according to Izzy?

    -Learning how to learn is important because it acts as a productivity multiplier on all of the time spent studying and supercharges the rest of one's life, yet it's rarely taught in schools.

  • What are some inefficient study techniques that Izzy used to rely on?

    -Izzy used to rely on inefficient study techniques such as taking notes, rereading, and highlighting, which psychological studies have shown to be relatively inefficient for understanding and memorization.

  • What is the 'Eat the Frog' technique and how does it apply to studying?

    -The 'Eat the Frog' technique encourages focusing on the most challenging tasks or topics first, inspired by a quote from Mark Twain, which helps prioritize studying and tackle difficult subjects before they become overwhelming.

  • What is the Pareto Principle, and how does it relate to studying?

    -The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of results come from approximately 20% of the inputs. In studying, it means focusing on the most important and core topics first to maximize efficiency.

  • Can you explain the Pomodoro Technique mentioned by Izzy?

    -The Pomodoro Technique involves 25 minutes of intensive study followed by a 5-minute break, repeated in cycles. It helps manage study time effectively and maintain focus by working in short, intense bursts.

  • What is the Feynman Technique and how does it promote understanding?

    -The Feynman Technique is a learning method that involves teaching a topic or concept to someone else in a simple and clear way. It helps ensure a solid understanding of the subject matter by requiring the teacher to explain it understandably.

  • Why is practice testing considered an effective study method?

    -Practice testing is effective because it uses active recall, which stimulates the brain to release neurochemicals that support memory formation and attention, thus helping to solidify memories.

  • What is Spaced Repetition and how does it help with memory retention?

    -Spaced Repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time, which helps beat the forgetting curve and move information into long-term memory more effectively.

  • What are some memorization techniques Izzy suggests for tricky information?

    -Izzy suggests mnemonics, mind maps, and creating personal connections to certain words or facts as memorization techniques to help remember information effectively.

  • Why is having a study schedule important according to Izzy?

    -A study schedule is important because it helps create a routine, ensures that studying is evenly distributed, and prevents all-nighters, which can impair memory retention and rational thinking.

  • What does Izzy recommend for reassessing study techniques and well-being?

    -Izzy recommends reassessing study techniques and well-being regularly, such as every week, to adjust and improve methods, ensuring they remain effective and supportive of both academic and personal well-being.

  • How does Izzy suggest tracking study progress?

    -Izzy suggests using tools like Google Calendar to create a revision timetable, which helps in tracking study progress and understanding the pace at which topics are being mastered.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Study Smarter with Science-Based Techniques

Izzy, a final-year medical student at Cambridge University, shares her study strategies that helped her succeed in medical school exams. She emphasizes the importance of learning how to learn, which acts as a productivity multiplier. Izzy admits to previously using inefficient study techniques like rereading and highlighting. Instead, she introduces nine effective study techniques, starting with 'Eat the Frog,' which encourages tackling the most challenging tasks first, and aligning with the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) for prioritization.

05:01
🍅 Pomodoro Technique and Prioritization

The Pomodoro Technique is introduced as a method to enhance focus and productivity by breaking study sessions into 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. Izzy discusses the importance of time boxing and finding personal optimal study intervals. She also stresses the value of understanding before memorization, using the Feynman Technique to simplify complex topics for better retention.

10:02
🧠 Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Izzy explains the significance of active recall and spaced repetition in enhancing memory retention. She recommends practice testing and using tools like Anki for spaced repetition to combat the forgetting curve. Mnemonics and mind maps are suggested as memorization aids, especially for medical students and language learners, to create personal connections with the material.

15:05
🗓️ Study Schedule and Self-Assessment

The final tips include creating a study schedule with rest and tracking progress, which helps in maintaining a routine and avoiding procrastination. Izzy also highlights the importance of reassessing study methods and well-being regularly. She encourages finding what works best for the individual and adjusting strategies as needed, emphasizing the journey over the destination.

🌟 Conclusion and Personal Reflection

Izzy concludes by reiterating the personal nature of studying and the importance of finding one's own effective techniques. She invites viewers to explore her other videos for practical applications of these study tips and encourages self-care and enjoyment of the learning process.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Study Techniques
Study techniques refer to the methods and strategies used to enhance learning efficiency. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using science-based, tried-and-tested study techniques to study smarter, not harder. These techniques are crucial for understanding and memorization, and they can be applied across various fields, including medicine, language learning, and more.
💡Productivity Multiplier
A productivity multiplier is a factor that increases the efficiency or effectiveness of a process. In the context of the video, learning how to learn effectively acts as a productivity multiplier on all of the time spent studying. It means that by mastering the art of learning, one can achieve more with the same amount of effort, which is a central theme of the video.
💡Eat the Frog
Eat the frog is a productivity concept inspired by a quote from Mark Twain, suggesting that one should tackle the most challenging task first. In the video, the speaker uses this concept to advise focusing on the most difficult topics or tasks first, which helps in prioritizing and managing study time effectively, especially in demanding fields like medical school.
💡Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In the video, it is used to illustrate the importance of focusing on the most important and core topics first, which can lead to better results in both studying medicine and learning languages.
💡Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves working for a set period (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. The speaker in the video mentions this technique as a way to manage study time effectively, suggesting that it helps in maintaining focus and productivity during study sessions.
💡Understanding vs. Memorization
Understanding and memorization are two components of effective learning. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of first gaining a deep understanding of a topic and then using memorization to fill in any gaps. This approach is contrasted with rote memorization, which lacks the foundational comprehension necessary for long-term retention.
💡Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is a learning method named after physicist Richard Feynman, which involves explaining a concept in simple terms to someone else. In the video, this technique is highlighted as a way to ensure a solid understanding of a topic, as the act of teaching forces one to clarify their own thoughts and knowledge.
💡Active Recall
Active recall is a learning strategy that involves actively trying to remember information without looking at the material. The speaker in the video discusses the benefits of active recall, such as practice testing, which has been shown to be more effective for learning than passive reading or rereading notes.
💡Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. The speaker mentions using Anki, a software that employs spaced repetition, to help beat the forgetting curve and improve memory retention, especially for language learning.
💡Mnemonics
Mnemonics are memory aids that help in remembering complex information, such as lists or sequences. In the video, the speaker uses mnemonics as an example of a memorization technique that can be particularly helpful in medical school for remembering long lists of causes or symptoms.
💡Study Schedule
A study schedule is a planned routine for studying that includes designated times for learning and rest. The speaker in the video emphasizes the importance of creating a study schedule to maintain a consistent routine, which can help in managing study time and ensuring adequate rest, thereby improving overall learning efficiency.
💡Well-being
Well-being refers to the state of being in good health, both physically and mentally. The speaker in the video stresses the importance of taking care of one's well-being as a foundation for effective studying, suggesting that without proper self-care, including sleep, nutrition, and exercise, it is difficult to perform well academically.
Highlights

Introduction to science-based study tips for smarter learning.

Importance of learning how to learn as a productivity multiplier.

Mistake of focusing on inefficient study techniques like rereading and highlighting.

Nine study techniques to survive Cambridge Medical School.

Eat the frog technique: Tackle difficult tasks first.

Pareto Principle: Focus on core topics for effective study.

Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break.

Understanding first, then memorization for effective learning.

Feynman Technique: Teach the topic to ensure deep understanding.

Practice testing as a form of active recall for better memory retention.

Spaced Repetition to beat the forgetting curve.

Using Anki for spaced repetition and active recall.

Memorization techniques like mnemonics and mind maps.

Creating a study schedule including rest and tracking progress.

Reassessing study methods and well-being regularly.

Importance of enjoying the journey of learning, not just the destination.

Adjusting study techniques based on personal effectiveness.

Transcripts

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Study TipsProductivityCambridgeMedical SchoolLearning TechniquesMemory RetentionActive RecallSpace RepetitionMnemonicsStudy ScheduleWell-being