How to Study

Study Notes

1. Core Resource

• Read: Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

  • Evidence-based strategies for effective studying.

  • Helps break away from inefficient habits (e.g., rote note-taking, re-reading).

  • Encourages active learning and retention rather than passive review.

2. Key Study Principles

🔑 Active Recall (Most Important)

• Definition: Testing yourself instead of just reviewing.

• Why: Research shows it’s the most effective way to learn.

• Methods:

  • Create open-ended questions from PowerPoint slides.

  • Use Word docs, Quizlet, or Anki for question banks.

  • Test yourself repeatedly until you can explain concepts without notes.

• Group Strategy:

  • Divide content with classmates → saves time.

  • Each person builds recall questions for different sections.

🔑 Avoid Mindless Note-Taking

• Pitfall: Just copying notes or re-reading slides = low retention.

• Exams require application of knowledge (not regurgitation).

• Example: Understanding physiology + pharmacology is more valuable than memorizing isolated facts.

• Better: Summarize main ideas in your own words and quiz yourself.

🔑 Study Habits Will Change

• Past methods (flashcards, passive review) may not work in CRNA school.

• Material is heavier, deeper, faster-paced than undergrad or NP programs.

• Time management becomes the biggest challenge.

• Be willing to pivot if your current strategy stops working.

3. Practical Study Methods

• During Lecture

  • First pass: Listen actively, jot minimal notes.

  • After class: Re-listen, then create recall questions.

• Active Recall Process Example

  1. Label slides (Slide 1, Slide 2…).

  2. Write open-ended questions (“What are the effects of ___?”).

  3. Quiz yourself with slides closed.

  4. Check answers against lecture notes/PowerPoint.

• Apps & Tools

  • Anki (great for spaced repetition; mobile app ~$10).

  • Quizlet (basic free version available).

  • Word/Docs for simpler setups if short on time.

4. Time Management Insights

• Early quarters: Easier to keep up with recall questions.

• Later quarters: Volume of material nearly doubles → need faster methods.

• Tip: Collaborate with peers or streamline processes.

• Always consider both:

  • Time to prepare study material.

  • Time to actually study it.

5. Flexibility & Adaptation

• If a method isn’t working → change it.

• Example:

  • Active recall worked for first year.

  • Later, volume forced a shift → summarized notes in shared docs + mental recall questions instead of writing them all down.

• Golden Rule:

  • If you’re successful, keep going.

  • If not, pivot immediately.

6. Big Takeaways

• Use evidence-based study methods.

• Focus on understanding + application, not memorization.

• Time management is critical.

• Collaborate with classmates to save effort.

• Be adaptable—study habits must evolve with workload.

Recommended Next Step:

• Start with Make It Stick.

• Practice active recall in small chunks now (before CRNA school if possible).

• Build flexibility into your study routine—assume you’ll need to adjust.