Medicine is lifelong studying. You’re going to read read read, and when you’re done, you’re going to read some more.
I have been actively studying for about 11 years now. If you consider high school, that number increases to roughly 15 years.
I have been doing this for a while, so I want to share my experience.
When I was entering medical school my father said to me, “With every flying second, keep something in store.”
It was wonderful advice, and interestingly enough, it was advice I had been following long before he gave it.
In high school, I carried small notebooks wherever I went. Whenever I sat in the school bus, I pulled out my small notebook. During break times, I took out my small notebook. With every flying second, I kept something in store.
NB: I did spend time with friends too. You would be surprised how much time you have when you structure it.
Tips for using small notebooks
Tip 1: Start small
Start with only one small notebook for one subject. As much faith as I have in this technique, everyone is different. So don’t go out and buy a bunch of small notebooks. Buy one, start, and see how it goes.
Tip 2: Buy a SMALL notebook
Aim to purchase an A6 size notebook. It shouldn’t be too big or even too thick. The power in small notebooks is portability. They should be small enough for you to take anywhere.
Tip 3: Small details/facts only
Yes, it is called a notebook, but it is not for your proper notes. Small notebooks are for points, lists, definitions, facts, mnemonics, etc. They are not for exposition. That’s for your big notebooks and your textbooks. Small notebooks are for key details you want to remember.
Tip 4: One page - One detail
Don’t clutter your pages. If you still have page space left when you are done entering a detail/point you want to remember, stop. Start the next unrelated detail on a new page. In my experience, this helps with memory and ease of reading. Treat your small notebook like chapter books. Each individual point is its own chapter. Start new chapters on new pages.
Tip 5: Re-read
I know I previously said the power of small notebooks is in portability. I said that for emphasis. I apologize. The true power of small notebooks lies here. You need to read your small notebook often. Read it over and over again. This is why you should reserve it only for small details: so you don’t get overwhelmed when reading. I can’t emphasize this enough. Whenever you have time, pull out your small notebook, and keep something in store.
Tip 6: Steal time:
This links with the previous tip. Small notebooks are not for serious study periods. They are for the in-between. They are for when you are waiting for something, or when you get a short free period. 5 minute sessions aggregated over time can be very powerful.
Tip 7: Think as you read
Who, What, When, Why, How
Dwell on these questions as you flip through your small notebook. Constantly ask yourself questions and note them down to use during your dedicated study period
Tip 8: Be flexible
At the end of the day, it is up to you. I believe these are the key tips to help you succeed with this style, but feel free to adapt as you see fit.
That’s it. I hope this has been useful for you. I believe small notebooks are excellent tools for studying. Try it. I’m sure you will love it.
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