Figure out whether you are an auditory, visual or tactile learner, as this makes a difference to how best to study. If listening is how you absorb information, record lectures and listen to them repeatedly. Create flash cards and review them out loud. The more you repeat the information aloud, the more you will retain. Work with a study group. Hearing other people's thoughts will help solidify your understanding of the information. It can also clear up any questions you have about the material.
Using your vision is another way of absorbing information. Create brightly colored flash cards, assigning specific colors to each topic. Creating a mental association between certain colors and kinds of information will help you remember what goes where when it comes to test-taking. Draw pictures. Giving yourself a visual rather than just looking at words takes the information from abstract idea to concrete, relatable concepts. Reorganize and rewrite your notes. Rewriting will help you locate and fill in the gaps of missing information. Write out your learning objectives as well. You can see what information given is necessary to answer set learning objectives and, therefore, understand how the information can be applied to the disease or patient needs.
Sometimes learners absorb information through touch association. Certain environmental stimuli, especially movement, will trigger the memory. Keep something soft and pliable in your hands while you work, such as a stress-release ball or silly putty. Type out your notes. Tap your feet, walk around and move in order to feel comfortable studying. Doing something with your body helps you to release energy without losing focus on the subject matter.
If you read your notes within 24 hours of taking them, you will retain up to 80 percent of what was said in lecture.
Do not cram. Studying 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day, four to five days a week, rather than studying 8 hours a day for the two days before the exam, will guarantee more successful retention of the material.
Give yourself regular breaks. After 2 hours of studying, you need at least an hour of break time. In order to keep concentration to a maximum, respect your body and your mind's need for temporary distraction. Do not, however, study with the television on. Your brain will not concentrate on what you need to learn.
Read the question being asked carefully. Make sure you know the main idea of the question. Always follow your intuition. If you've studied enough and know the material at hand, your intuition will guide you. Remember: you either know it or you don't. Be careful about changing your answers. Only change an answer if you are absolutely positive you have made a mistake.