The box system, also known as the Leitner system, is a technique where flashcards are sorted into different boxes or sections based on your level of confidence in the material. Cards that are more difficult or that you struggle with are reviewed more frequently, while easier cards are reviewed less often.
- Begin by placing all of your flashcards in the first box (Box 1). This is where new cards or cards you haven't mastered yet are kept.
- Review the cards in Box 1. If you answer a card correctly, move it to Box 2. If you answer it incorrectly, keep it in Box 1.
- Box 1 should be reviewed every day or every time you study.
- Box 2 can be reviewed every 2-3 days.
- As you continue to study, cards that are answered correctly can be moved further along the boxes (e.g., from Box 2 to Box 3, and so on).
- The higher the box number, the less frequently you review those cards. For example:
- Box 1: Review daily.
- Box 2: Review every 2-3 days.
- Box 3: Review once a week.
- Box 4: Review once every two weeks.
- Box 5: Review once a month.
- If you answer a card incorrectly in any box, it should be moved back to Box 1 (or a lower box if you prefer). This ensures that you review difficult material more often.
- Continue this process, gradually moving cards to higher boxes as you become more confident in the material. Over time, the system will naturally focus your attention on areas that need more work.
- Efficient Use of Time: By focusing more on difficult material, you use your study time more effectively.
- Spaced Repetition: The system naturally incorporates spaced repetition, which is known to improve long-term retention.
- Adaptable: The number of boxes and the review frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and the difficulty of the material.
Example:
Let’s say you’re studying French vocabulary. You have a flashcard with the word "chat" (cat) on one side and its translation on the other.
- The first time you see the card, you might not remember the translation, so it stays in Box 1.
- After reviewing it a few more times, you remember it correctly, so you move it to Box 2.
- If you continue to remember it during subsequent reviews, it gets moved to higher boxes, eventually reaching Box 5, where you only review it occasionally.
If at any point you forget the word, you move it back to Box 1 to reinforce your memory.
- Start Small: If you’re new to the box system, start with just a few boxes (e.g., 3) and gradually expand as you become more comfortable.
- Regular Reviews: Make sure to stick to your review schedule, especially for the cards in the lower boxes.
- Customise for Your Needs: Adjust the number of boxes and the review frequency based on your study habits and the complexity of the material.
The box system is a powerful tool to help you manage your flashcards effectively, ensuring that you spend the most time on the material that needs the most attention.