Thanks to Anatomy Bootcamp for sponsoring today’s post!
Did you know there are ways to make your studying more efficient and even, dare I say, easier? It may seem impossible in the thick of schooling, but a few simple preparation steps will make your life better by lowering your stress when it comes to studying.
In today’s blog post, we’re going to break down a few action steps that will set you up for success using anatomy as an example, and specifically Anatomy Bootcamp. Why anatomy? It’s one of the main cornerstone prerequisites for physician assistant school and undergrad isn’t the only time you’re going to see it. Once accepted to PA school, you’ll repeat anatomy and physiology at the graduate school level, and it ain’t easy. It can actually be one of the most challenging courses, even with foundational background knowledge, because each structure has more structures and they all have multiple functions. You’ll need to know it all, and understand it all to apply to patient care, but let’s lay out some study steps.
Before You Start Studying
Evaluate your schedule and look at the curriculum. Figure out what you need to know and when. Write it out in a list or planner so you have a visual aid to refer to and nothing gets missed. Identify a study resource or supplement, and figure out how much time it will take to get through the content. For example, Anatomy Bootcamp includes PDF outlines to go with bite-size videos, followed by Qbanks that apply your knowledge with actual cadaver images and explanation videos applicable to each question. While in-class lectures are oftentimes great, they also miss the mark on important content sometimes and don’t emphasize exactly what you need to know, which is why the next part is important - figuring out how you learn best.
How to Study Based on Learning Style
There are tons of online tests to help you identify your learning style, and watching someone talk about a PowerPoint may not be the best way you learn. That’s okay! You may also have some overlap in styles of learning, and utilizing resources specific to each of those methods will help you comprehend material faster.
The learning styles include Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic.
Visual learners like to see charts, images and diagrams. The interactive drawings used in Anatomy Bootcamp during the videos make great study tools for someone who likes to learn visually. Here is an example:
Aural learning refers to comprehending material by hearing it, whether from a lecture or in discussion with peers. Teaming up with some classmates to listen to a short 3-10 minute video and then talking about the information is a great strategy to solidify information while studying.
If you love to read or write, I’m right there with you. While going through each module, practice active note taking by jotting down and copying the drawings displayed in the lectures during Anatomy Bootcamp. When you go through the questions afterwards, you’ll be able to refer to your notes or take down extra information if there was an aspect you didn’t grasp fully with the first exposure.
Kinesthetic learners like to put it all together and enjoy a multi-dimensional learning experience with application. For an Anatomy Bootcamp strategy, watching the videos and then using the Qbank to test the knowledge will satisfy your desire to stay engaged and hands on while learning. Especially with the cadaver images, you can make connections with what you’re learning in a dissection lab or on models/computer modeling during PA school.
Whatever learning style you identify with, I encourage you to try out the others, especially when trying to learn a new subject. Quickly identify if a method isn’t working for you and look for new options and resources, realizing you may not get everything you need straight from the classroom.
Managing Time
The key to making the most of your resources and study time is managing your time effectively. You can study for hours and not actually learn the material if just going through the motions. If you set a dedicated schedule and allot a specific amount of time to studying, you’ll likely be more efficient than casually jumping around between resources and topics. If you’re not used to doing this, start with a small time period of maybe just 10-15 minutes and build your study stamina from there. With Anatomy Bootcamp, the modules and videos are short so you can fit them into small pockets of study time.
Remove all distractions, set timers, and allow yourself complete concentration in your ideal setting. What works for someone else may not be the best for you and that’s okay! Make sure all of the needed equipment is easily accessible. If you’re watching the videos in Anatomy Bootcamp, you’ll need a quiet area to listen or headphones. If you’re a notetaker like me, keep your favorite pens and notebook in a dedicated spot. A little bit of preparation ahead of time will make your process easier.
Go forth and study better! Share your efficient study skills and learning style in the comments, and leave your Anatomy Bootcamp feedback for other students who are struggling with anatomy and physiology.
