In this video series, "Learning in Med School 101," we break down some key concepts about learning medical school, including skills, strategies, and techniques we share with medical students (and those in related medical fields).
In this video, we introduce some basic structural learning concepts. Now, these can be applied at all levels, but, as always, we’re looking at it through the lens of medical learning. We dig into five concepts:
Basic Circuit of Learning
Curve of Forgetting
Cramming Window
Retrieval Practice
Curve of Learning
The basic circuit of learning is a framework for how the learning brain works. For this, the first thing we want to do is think about encoding, or the process of entering information into memory. After encoding comes storage, which is the retention of information over time. Step three in this process is retrieval, or the ability to access material from memory.
In the curve of forgetting, takes into account that we aren’t designed to remember, we are actually designed to forget information! And this forgetting can happen fast.
Then, we have the cramming window. Typically, we can usually cram a limited amount of information into our brains. But this doesn’t work for long-term storage, the curve of forgetting comes into play, and we can only keep the information for a couple of days when it’s stored this way.
But with retrieval practice (verses review, which is a low-yield, passive and inefficient way to study), the learner forces themselves to try and recall the material they’ve already studied. This practice might not feel great - at times you may be trying to blindly recall something you’ve learned, but it is a high-yield and efficient way to retain the things you learn.
Students can offset the curve of forgetting by activating the curve of learning. This can look like actively revisiting the material, again through retrieval practice.
Interested in more med school study strategies and learning theories? Check out the STATMed Class.