Considerations for improving independent study

For the present work, a bibliographic review was carried out on independent study and self-preparation in medical science students with the aim of showing the theoretical foundations that support these activities based on the need to improve the teaching results of the subjects. Self-preparation is pointed out as one of the organizational forms of teaching work; it is the independent work performed by the student without the presence of the teacher, which allows the student to prepare himself to achieve an adequate performance in the different teaching activities. It is considered that independent work is one of the most effective ways for the development of independence in student learning and can be used in the developmental teaching-learning process. In all the articles reviewed, the authors agree that a correct orientation of self-preparation is fundamental for the solidity of what is learned.