Listen, as part of a study people were given IQ tests. Then took the test again…this time with a distraction.
One group was given everyday distractions. Distractions you might find while studying…phone,
text messages, and so on.
The other group was given marijuana.
They both did terrible the second test but…
Between multitaskers and pot smokers, guess who did worse on the second test? The multi-taskers.
Study Tip: Stop multitasking. Laser focus.
Will I remember the skills taught to me?
First, take a look at the skills that you already have.
It took you years to develop the skill to walk.
Why has that skill stuck around?
Does using that skill everyday matter when it comes to your remembering it?
If you don’t use it, you lose it. Using a skill repeatedly makes it easier and easier to remember. When you stop using it, you lose it.
Some skills are easier to get back than others.
If it’s been years since you rode a bike, you might be shaky at first. After a ride around the block you get most of the basics back.
Other skills are a lot tougher to get back. (Know anyone who’s taken a foreign language class?)
-Mr. A
I am studying to pass my NBDE, so it is going to take some months. How can I keep all the information in my head? How to memorize?
The NBDE from what I understand is an exam dentists have to take. It has over 400 multiple choice questions and isn’t cheep to take ($260).
This test seems similar to many of the tests professionals have to take in order to show they can memorize a bunch of stuff that don’t necessarily have to do with the day to day job of being a whatever (a dentist, a teacher, a lawyer, in insurance, in real estate, etc.)
Now I haven’t taken the NBDE, so please correct me if I’m wrong. But, I have studied for and passed many similar tests.
With a big test like the NBDE you want to be able to organize the information. Separate what you know and can easily spit out on the test from what you need to spend more time with.
A good way to do this is to complete the practice tests. This will point to you what you already know for the test (and what you don’t).
Work with what you know first (to build your confidence) then move on to what you don’t know. When it comes to memorizing what you don’t know, this information will “stick” better to your mind thanks to your solidifying what you already know.
-Mr. A
