Active Recall and Testing in Medical Studying

Introduction

Step 1: Convert lecture notes, chapters, and topics into questions.
- Example: Instead of making traditional notes, create a list of questions.
Step 2: Actively test yourself on these questions when revising.
- Identify knowledge gaps and areas of difficulty.
Tips:
- Spend several minutes formulating answers in your head or writing them down.
- Don't rush to view answers; it reduces genuine recall and understanding.
- Limit the number of questions to around 15–20 per lecture or small topic.

After testing, immediately review resources to fill in gaps.
- Revisit textbooks, lecture notes, and other materials.
- Connect new information to initial mental models or mind maps.
Example: For liver diseases, Zay revisits resources to understand fibrotic scores and diagnostic tests better.

Create an initial mental model or mind map to visualize the overall topic.
Link detailed information back to this mind map for better understanding and retention.
Benefits: Helps make new knowledge relevant and easier to recall.
- Example: Linking medication effects to specific parts of a disease in the mind map.

Continuously refine questions based on comprehension and exam requirements.
- Ensure questions are neither too vague nor too detailed.
Adapt questions to match the exam format: essay-based, multiple-choice, problem-solving.
- Example: Conceptual details for multiple-choice exams, process-oriented questions for essays.

Quality over quantity: Focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
- Avoid excessive flashcard use and rote learning.
Regularly update and improve recall questions to match learning progress and exam formats.
Think about where new information fits in your mind map while studying to enhance comprehension.

Recap of active recall and knowledge filling process.
Emphasis on the importance of mental effort and deep understanding.
Encouragement to practice and refine these techniques for better learning outcomes.