Effective Reading Tips for FMGE: PQRST method of reading study materials in FMGE preparation :
- A method of reading a textbook or notes to make sure that the information you read really does enter your long term memory & It’s sometimes cryptically known as SQ3R.
- Based on work by Thomas and H. A. Robinson, Space and Berg and R. P.Robinson.
- Preview (P):
- Preview the entire chapter: skim through it all so you know what you’re going to be covering (read the section introductions and check out the figures).
- Question (Q):
- Start by asking yourself “what am I supposed to learn in this section”→Try to convert each topic/sub-topic headlines as questions.
- This helps to get your brain into sync with the topic being discussed.
- Read (R):
- Read that section carefully & comprehend.
- Underline or highlight key-words (Von Restorff effect).
- If you want to take notes, read the whole section first, then summarise later (Use Cornell system).
- Self-recitation (S):
- Try to recall & recite some information you studied aloud.
- Check back against the text, and note the things you missed out.
- Only then go on to the next section and Question again.
- Test (T):
- Test yourself and review all the material (Even though you have only just read the chapter, now is the best time to test yourself).
Effective Reading Tips for FMGE: Aims of the first reading
-
- Familiarizing with the topics.
- Understanding the concepts.
- Improving the concepts & updates.
- Emphasizing high yield topics.
- Clearing doubts/discuss.
Assimilation vs Accommodation of knowledge | |
Assimilation of knowledge | Accommodation of knowledge |
|
|
Effective Reading Tips for FMGE: Study tricks for FMGE increase the efficiency of comprehension:
- Narrow your focus: Tackle a manageable amount of material (Try to avoid global statements like I need to study anatomy) & Stay with one topic for at least an hour or an hour and a half.
- Complete the manageable subject segment or number of pages designated→ shift from this topic to a related one.
Strong vs Weak? |
|
- Once you have complete this→ take a break → change to a completely unrelated subject.
- Sandwich trick: Sandwich subjects you dislike between two slices of those that you enjoy.
- When you feel bogged down: intersperse subjects you find difficult with comfortable, familiar, and somehow related ones.
- Tackle difficult areas when you are refreshed/when your energy level is low
- Alternate a process related course (like biochemistry)→ take a break→ tackle a physical object course (anatomy).
- Treat yourself with your favorite subjects: only when you finish a weaker/ troublesome one.
What is the Illusion of Competency / Study trap? |
|
How to choose related subjects to increase efficiency & decrease the time duration of the preparation?
-
- Anatomy→ Orthopedics → Radiology→Surgery
- Physiology→ Pathology → Pharmacology→Medicine
- Microbiology → PSM
- Biochemistry → Pediatrics → Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Forensic medicine → Psychiatry
- ENT → Opthalmology
- Skin → Anesthesia