ILMIY VA PROFESSIONAL TA’LIM JARAYONIDA MULOQOT, FAN VA MADANIYATLAR
INTEGRATSIYASI
356
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
DIFFICULTIES IN MEMORIZING AND ACTIVELY APPLYING MEDICAL
TERMINOLOGY
Shodiyeva Gulnoza Ne`matilloyevna
Kimyo International University in Tashkent
Senior teacher of English language department
Abstract:
Memorization and active use of medical terminology creates great difficulties
for students and specialists in the field of medicine. Medical terminology is necessary for
effective communication in healthcare, but its complexity often leads to difficulties in
memorization and practical application. This article explores key issues related to the study of
medical terminology, including the importance of memorization techniques, the influence of
language roots and structures, and strategies that can improve understanding and usage of
medical terms in clinical practice. In addition, modern approaches to teaching medical
terminology, i.e., the use of technologies and interactive teaching methods, are considered. The
article aims to provide information on how to overcome these difficulties, preserve medical
terms, and improve their practical use.
Keywords
: Medical terminology, memorization, medical education, clinical application,
language structure, learning problems, technology in education
Introduction
Medical terminology is the basis of effective communication in healthcare. It provides
specialists with a standardized language for describing the human div, diseases, treatments, and
procedures. Nevertheless, many medical students and practitioners face significant difficulties in
memorizing and actively using medical terms. The large number of specialized terms and the
fact that their complex roots are borrowed from Greek and Latin, and the need for precise
clinical application make the study and use of medical terms difficult.
For long-term memorization and practical application of medical terms, memorization is
not always sufficient. The active use of these terms in clinical settings requires understanding
their meaning, understanding their use in various medical situations, and remembering them
under pressure. In addition, students and specialists often find that the ability to use these terms
can be hindered by a large amount of new information that they need to process and remember.
This article examines the difficulties in the study of medical terminology and suggests ways to
overcome these difficulties, paying special attention to both memorization methods and the
introduction of terms into clinical practice.
1. Difficulties in memorizing medical terms:
The first major challenge in mastering medical terminology is the vast number of terms
that medical students and professionals need to learn. The language of medicine is extremely
broad, encompassing thousands of terms, each with its own definition and variations depending
on the medical specialty. This volume can overwhelm learners and make it difficult to retain
information over long periods.
The complex etymology of medical terms also poses a significant hurdle. Most medical
terms are derived from Greek and Latin, which can be unfamiliar and challenging for learners,
especially those without a strong background in these classical languages. For instance, terms
like "cardiology" (the study of the heart) or "neurology" (the study of the nervous system)
require an understanding of Latin and Greek roots. Learning root meanings, prefixes, and
suffixes demands not only memorization but also comprehension of how these elements combine
to form more complex words.
Another problem is the abstractness of many medical terms. Terms such as "tachycardia"
(increased heart rate) or "hypotension" (decreased blood pressure) may not have clear visual
images that make them easier to remember. This uncertainty makes it difficult for students to
ILMIY VA PROFESSIONAL TA’LIM JARAYONIDA MULOQOT, FAN VA MADANIYATLAR
INTEGRATSIYASI
357
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
form clear connections, otherwise it would have been easier to remember and store them in
memory.
2. Obstacles to the active use of medical terminology:
Although memorization is necessary, the active use of medical terms in clinical settings
presents a number of other difficulties. Medical terminology includes not only memorizing terms,
but also correctly applying them in practice. This requires a high level of understanding of the
meaning, context, and usage of the terms.
One of the difficulties is that medical terminology often includes terms that have specific
meanings in clinical practice. However, students may not remember the correct term when
needed, especially under pressure or in high-stress situations such as planning a patient's
diagnosis or treatment. This difficulty is further complicated when students do not regularly
encounter the practical application of these terms.
Moreover, different medical fields may use terms that have subtle differences in meaning.
For example, the term "ischemia" refers to a general restriction of blood flow, while the term
"hypoxia" refers to oxygen deficiency. Learners may find it difficult to assimilate such subtle
differences, especially when they encounter terminology in a new context for the first time.
3. Troubleshooting: approaches and solutions
Several strategies and innovative approaches can be used to overcome difficulties in
memorizing and applying medical terms.
a) Use of mnemonics:
One of the effective strategies for overcoming difficulties in memorization is the use of
mnemonics. Mnemonics is a memory tool that helps students connect complex terms with simple,
easily memorized phrases or images. For example, a common mnemonic for remembering
cranial nerves is "Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Green Vegetables, AH!," which
corresponds to the first letter of each cranial nerve. By using mnemonics, students can
significantly improve their ability to memorize medical terms.
b) Contextual learning:
Instead of relying solely on memorization, contextual learning allows students to
understand medical terms by seeing how they are used in real situations. For example, the use of
case studies, simulations, and clinical scenarios helps students understand how terms are used in
practice. This also facilitates the memorization of terms, as students associate them with specific
clinical situations.
c) Interactive technologies:
The use of technologies has significantly improved medical education. Interactive tools
such as medical applications, online databases, and simulation programs allow students to
practice and apply medical terminology in a controlled, engaging environment. Virtual reality
(VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies also provide fully immersive experiences that can
improve understanding and memorization of complex medical terms.
d) Review and discontinuous learning:
Periodic repetition involves reviewing the material at increasing intervals over time, which
has been proven to improve long-term memorization. With this method, medical students can
regularly review the terms and reinforce their understanding, which makes it easier to recall the
terms when needed in clinical practice.
4. The role of teaching methods in overcoming these problems:
In the process of mastering medical terms, the role of teachers in providing guidance to
students is important. Methods of teaching, including active learning, such as group discussion,
peer learning, problem-based learning, encourage students not to memorize medical terms, but to
actively master them. The teacher helps reinforce understanding and use of medical terms by
engaging students in practical activities and encouraging them to explain terms to their peers.
In addition, teachers can use a more interdisciplinary approach to teaching terms,
combining lessons in different medical specialties and creating connections between terms. This
ILMIY VA PROFESSIONAL TA’LIM JARAYONIDA MULOQOT, FAN VA MADANIYATLAR
INTEGRATSIYASI
358
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
approach allows students to see the significance of each term in different contexts, which makes
it easier for them to memorize the terminology and apply it in practice.
Conclusion
Difficulties in memorizing and actively using medical terms create great difficulties for
medical students and specialists. The complexity, volume, and abstractness of the terminology,
as well as the subtle differences in its clinical application, make it difficult to master. However,
these problems can be solved using mnemonic tools, contextual learning, interactive
technologies, and effective teaching methods. A more engaging, active approach to the study and
application of medical terms can improve their memorization, understanding, and practical
application, which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes.For future healthcare
professionals to communicate effectively and provide quality care to patients, it is important that
educational institutions constantly study innovative methods and technologies that support the
study and application of medical terminology.
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