Health science students will have to take a variety of challenging courses throughout their program. And, if they are doing most of their studies in an online learning format, they may need to go the extra effort to practice using what they’ve learned in real-world settings. Online health science curriculums like Caduceus are able to provide students with interactive modules to help bring that practical experience online.
However, when it comes to courses like medical terminology, it never hurts to find ways to practice what you’ve learned outside.
For educators looking to provide supplemental exercises for their students, here are some ways you can encourage them to exercise that medical terminology muscle as much wherever there’s a moment.
8 Ways to Practice Using Medical Terms Outside the “Classroom”
In addition to all of the study and evaluation materials used in online courses like Caduceus, there are many strategies to help students put into play the terms that they’ve been learning. Although these terms will become second nature in their vocabulary over time, just like learning a language, it’s important to keep practicing. This is especially true for students who may not do so well with memorization techniques and need extra support or reinforcement as they learn the terms they need for this course and thereafter.
1. Read and Identify Medical Terminology
One of the best ways to practice medical terminology is to read medical literature regularly. Whether it’s reusing an old textbook, reading case studies in medical journals, or even a fiction book about a medical story, this can be a fun way for students to practice identifying what they’ve been learning in their course thus far. Help ensure students have access to the university library, and send them emails with articles they can read and highlight.
2. Practice with Physical Flashcards
Flashcards are a time-tested method for memorizing all those terms and definitions. Even though Caduceus’ Medical Terminology course provides 1,500 interactive flashcards, for some students, writing them from scratch is helpful, too.
Propose that students head to the local dollar store and buy some flashcards to complement the digital flashcards they use in the course and see if they can get a friend or family member to quiz them (versus quizzing themselves).
3. Promote Volunteer or Work in Healthcare Settings
Generally, students in health science programs will need to do some type of in-person fieldwork, depending on which healthcare profession they are looking to pursue. But, if they are taking the Medical Terminology course early on in their program, they might not have that lined up yet.
The good news is many hospitals will gladly accept volunteers under the right conditions, and this can give you a meaningful experience. Some examples of volunteering could be as a medical scribe. In this role, you record patients’ medical histories, symptoms, etc., as well as notes from the physician.
4. Share Updates Regarding Medical Conferences and Webinars
In addition to volunteering, students should see if they can attend medical conferences, webinars, and workshops. These events provide opportunities to hear professionals use medical terminology in presentations and discussions, getting an ear for those terms. Educators who know about these events happening in their network can share them with students in their online classrooms, as well as the university community overall. And, your affiliated university may also have relationships with local hospitals or medical centers that send out event notices.
5. Watch Medical Shows and Documentaries
TV for homework? While not all medical shows are entirely accurate, many can still be educational when it comes to learning medical terminology. And, shows like this — as well as medical documentaries — help students get more familiar with medical terminology and procedures in a more informal and natural context.
As an educator, this is a fun opportunity to assign a cool project. And, even if a show or episode is not accurate, you could make the assignment a challenge by asking students if they can find any medical terminology errors!
6. Practice Role-Playing Scenarios
If watching medical TV shows can help students learn their medical terminology, what about becoming a medical actor and role-playing scenes themselves? Give students example scenarios/prompts and encourage them to act it out with their classmates online, using the appropriate medical terminology for the situation. This helps students to become more confident with using medical terminology in real-time, which can aid in memorization techniques overall.
7. Subscribe to Medical Podcasts
Another way for your students to train that ear for medical terminology outside the online classroom is to tune into medical podcasts. If you have any that you enjoy listening to, share them with students and encourage them to share them with one another.
8. Create a Space to Share Educational Content
In addition to sharing podcasts (as well as documentaries, reading material, etc.), create a space in your online classroom where students can easily share content that uses or discusses medical terminology. Students are often up-to-date with the latest trends and you may be surprised at what they end up sharing with one another!
Help Students Succeed with Caduceus’ Medical Terminology Course
Medical terminology can come easier to some students, and it can be much more challenging for others. And, in an online setting, it can be hard for you as the educator to ensure all your students’ are truly grasping what they’re learning. By giving them ideas of how to practice this medical terminology content outside the classroom, you can help students feel that much more prepared for their future.
Caduceus’ Medical Terminology course is an engaging and interactive environment to impart essential principles of medical terminology. Through 30 hours of web-based, audio-visual content, students will familiarize themselves with various diseases, disorders, and conditions, honing the language skills critical for success in competitive medical programs and careers.
Contact us today to help your students on their journey to succeed in their understanding of medical terminology!
