High Yield vs Low Yield Resources
The choice of study materials is important for exam preparation. Students should focus on relevant topics, avoiding in-depth resources like a clinical pathology book when only basic knowledge is needed. However, relying too much on high-yield materials can risk only knowing enough to pass the exam.
Preparation of exams is an extremely important and a multi-factored endeavor. The choice of study materials greatly impacts how our limited time is spent. Now a student wouldn't want to read a clinical pathology book if they are required to know high school level details on diabetes. On the other hand, high-yield becomes a slippery slope when it becomes synonymous with knowing just enough to pass an exam.
Introduction
With the start of the new school year, millions of students will return to school after summer vacations. Knowing how to become a better learner is an indispensable skill that many students have not yet mastered. Utilizing neuroscience-backed techniques and high-yield resources—specific books or notes that help students learn more efficiently—is crucial for academic success.
Preparation of Exams
Exam preparation is a critical, multifaceted endeavor. The choice of study materials significantly impacts the effective use of limited time. For example, a student should not read a clinical pathology book if only high school-level knowledge of diabetes is required. However, over-reliance on high-yield materials can be problematic, as it may lead to knowing just enough to pass an exam without a deeper understanding of the subject.
What are High-Yield Resources?
High-yield resources contain a subset of essential information needed to successfully complete an exam. These resources are particularly common among medical students.
The Pros and Cons of High-Yield Study Resources
Pros:
- High-yield resources provide essential information directly related to exam questions.
- They save time by eliminating the need to sift through extensive textbooks for potentially unnecessary details.
- They offer peace of mind, ensuring that students cover all necessary topics efficiently.
Cons:
- These resources may provide only the essential information needed for the exam, potentially leaving gaps in a student's broader knowledge.
- For instance, a medical student focused solely on diabetes diagnosis might be underprepared for managing other conditions, such as hypothyroidism. As one quote aptly puts it, "As a patient, it alarms me to think that my future clinician may only know a few bullet points about my disease" [1].
The Plan
Initially, students should focus on high-yield resources to quickly grasp the most critical information. Afterward, they should supplement this knowledge with comprehensive study materials, such as textbooks, to gain a more complete understanding that will be valuable throughout their careers.
Summary
Students should begin their studies with high-yield resources to efficiently cover essential material, then expand their learning with more detailed information to become well-rounded professionals in their field.
References
[1] Is 'High-Yield ' Learning Making Future Docs Less Prepared? https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910353 retrieved 03 August, 2024
[2] Easy ways to become a better student. Retrieved 03 August, 2024.
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