Materials: Use index cards, a notebook, or a digital flashcard app like Anki or Quizlet.
Content: Write a question, term, or concept on one side of the card (the "question" side).
On the other side, write the answer, definition, or explanation (the "answer" side).
Tips:
Keep the information on each card concise to focus on one concept at a time.
Use simple language and clear, legible writing.
Include images or diagrams if they help illustrate the concept (especially useful for subjects like biology or geography).
Sort by Topic: Organise flashcards into categories or topics to focus on specific areas of study.
Use a Box System: If using physical cards, consider using a box system where cards are divided into sections based on how well you know the material. Cards that are difficult for you should be reviewed more frequently.
Digital Tools: Digital flashcards often come with organisation features that let you tag, categorise, or group cards by topic or difficulty.
Frequency: Review flashcards daily or a few times a week, depending on your study schedule.
Duration: Keep sessions short, around 15-30 minutes, to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Active Recall: Try to answer the question or recall the information on the card before flipping it over. This reinforces memory.
Schedule Reviews: Use spaced repetition to review flashcards at increasing intervals. Review difficult cards more frequently, and easier cards less often.
Tools: Digital apps like Anki can automate this process, scheduling cards for review based on how well you know the material.
Physical Cards: For physical flashcards, you can manually schedule reviews using a calendar or box system.
Mix It Up: Periodically shuffle your flashcards to avoid memorising the order rather than the content. This ensures you're truly learning the material.
Interleaving: Mix different topics or subjects within a study session to improve retention and understanding.
Self-Testing: Use flashcards to test your knowledge. If you answer correctly, move the card to a "known" pile. If incorrect, place it back in the deck for further review.
Review Mistakes: Spend extra time on flashcards you get wrong. Understanding why you got a question wrong is crucial for learning.
Add New Cards: As you progress in your studies, create new flashcards for new material.
Refine Existing Cards: If you find a card too easy or too difficult, edit the content to better match your current understanding.
Remove Mastered Cards: Once you’ve mastered a concept, you can retire the card from regular review to keep your deck manageable.
Use Both Sides: Ensure that you can answer both the question from the prompt and the prompt from the answer. This helps reinforce your understanding from multiple angles.
Pair with Other Study Techniques: Combine flashcards with other study methods, like summarising notes or teaching the material to someone else, for deeper learning.
Consistency is Key: Regular and consistent use of flashcards is more effective than cramming before an exam.