The term flash is used for a reason.They help to quickly memorize fast facts, quotes, vocabulary words, dates, and more.Many people make the mistake of putting too much information on a flashcard, which makes it hard to read, understand, and memorize.When used correctly, flashcards are a great on-the-go study resource that allow you to learn virtually anywhere.
Step 1: Purchase a set of flashcards.
There are different sizes and colors for index cards.The standard size is 3 by 5 inches.There are mini flash cards on the binder ring.They fit inside your pocket for easy studying on the run, and some find it easier to keep track of them.Standard sized flashcards can be purchased with a hole puncher and a binder ring.Plastic cases designed to carry flashcards are sold by most office supply stores.
Step 2: There is a variety of pens, pencils, and markers.
You should use a few different colors on your flashcards.Key terms are more memorable if you coloring your notes.The majority of your writing should be done with a good black pen.
Step 3: Before you write your flashcards, organize your notes.
You can pick out key information from class notes if you read them again.It is not helpful to cram a lot of information on each card.When studying, try to be aware of your choices.If you're studying for a test, make sure you know what to expect.You won't waste time writing down facts that have already appeared on previous exams if you use this method.
Step 4: List what you want to use on your cards.
If you want to use your flashcards in the most concise language possible, you need to write down all the facts in your class notes.Information about important events, names of important figures and what they accomplished should be included.This practice helps you focus on what you want to include on your flashcards, as well as helping you memorize it.You are more likely to remember the information if you rewrite it a few times.If you don't have time to rewrite your notes, highlight important facts, concepts, dates, people, and definitions that you want to include on your flashcards.
Step 5: You can try out online flashcards.
If you prefer computers to paper, you can make flashcards online with certain websites.Some companies make apps for your phone so that you can study on the go.There's a list of the best flashcard apps for the iPad.
Step 6: Content should be short.
The cards are not textbooks.You don't want to give them too much information.When you look at a flashcard, you should be able to read it quickly.If flashcards are used for learning dates, vocabulary, historical events, scientific terms, processes, equations and information that is easy to memorize, they are most effective.Don't use flashcards in depth analysis.If you are studying WWII, don't try to use your smallest handwriting to fill a whole card with an analysis on the events that caused the war.Break the information into smaller chunks on various cards with factual information such as: "In what year did World War II begin?" on one side and "1937" on the other side.
Step 7: Only one term per card is used.
Your brain can only absorb so much information at a time.If you want to retain information, only put one term on each card.If you are learning French, instead of writing "Hello, goodbye, and good evening" on the front side of a card, you should write it on three separate cards with "hello" written on them.
Step 8: Both sides of the card can be starting points.
The most effective way to use flashcards is to make both sides of the card a starting point.Instead of having one side of a card be a question and the other answer, you will need to make both sides of the card have unique information.Say you are trying to figure out what happened at the end of WWII.Instead of writing a card with the question on one side, write the word "In 1947, this treaty caused the end of WWII" and then "The Paris Peace Treaties" on the other side.You can fill in the "this treaty" with the correct information if you get the side with more information.
Step 9: You can add pictures.
Adding pictures to your flashcards will make them more memorable.It only takes 13 milliseconds for our brain to recognize an image, so putting visuals on your cards will help you remember more quickly.Make sure the image on the card matches the information on it.If you are writing German vocabulary cards, don't draw a picture of a rainbow next to the word for boy.These do not need to be great works of art.A small sketch that relates to the text will be a great trick for remembering.It is easier to add visuals on digital flashcards than it is on hand.
Step 10: Limit your deck to 30 cards.
When creating a deck of flashcards, don't overload it.Your brain won't be able to process a lot of information at the same time.Limit your deck to no more than 30 cards.If you are studying a subject that requires hundreds of flashcards, try to break your deck into smaller units.If you are taking a class on Jane Austen, you should make a deck of 30 cards for each book that you read, instead of 100 cards.
Step 11: A goal is to review at least three times a day.
When trying to learn a new thing, repetition is important.To progress as quickly as possible, take a quiz in the morning, afternoon and evening.You can set an alarm on your phone to remind you to study.
Step 12: You should keep your flashcards in your purse or backpack.
You can study at any time if your cards are accessible.Make sure your cards are either on a binder ring or in a case and pull them out at lunch, coffee breaks, or any other downtime.The advantage of making flashcards by hand is that you can carry and study them wherever you please, which you may not be able to do with digital flashcards.
Step 13: It's a good idea to study with a friend.
Learning with a friend is more fun than using flashcards on your own.Go through the cards together a few times a week with a study buddy.It increases your motivation to succeed when you study with other people.
Step 14: A card can be done after two days.
Some people make the mistake of getting a flashcard wrong and casting it aside.You should not consider a flashcard completed until you can answer it correctly for two days in a row.If you want to refresh your memory, you have to come back to it in a week.
Step 15: Get your flashcards out loud.
It is possible to improve your chances of remembering terms and definitions by simply reciting them.