Meaning of flashcards
A flashcard, also known as an index card, is a card with information on both sides that are designed to be used as a memory aid. On one side of each flashcard is a question and on the other is an answer. Flashcards are frequently used to memorize vocabulary, historical dates, formulas, or any subject that can be learned through a question-and-answer format.
Flashcards are an application of the testing effect, which discovered that when some of the learning periods are spent recovering information through testing with appropriate feedback, long-term memory improves.
What is flashcards in study?
Flashcards are a common method of studying. There are numerous applications for them, ranging from foreign languages to science. Using flashcards to self-test helps you learn information while also identifying any weak points in the topic.
Flashcards are useful for the majority of students studying for exams, with many students claiming that they can recall teachings better when using these tools. Many students who are studying for lengthy exams have always relied on the effectiveness of flashcards.
Advantages of using flashcards for studying
Convenient and simple to transport
Flashcards are portable learning materials that may be carried anywhere and at any time. They are also less bulky than textbooks and may be accessed at any time and from any location.
Flashcards are also convenient because they are small and portable. When we were faced with a large pile of books, we no longer wanted to scan them because there are many insignificant things that you can encounter while scanning your book. However, when you utilize flashcards, the information is more compact and easier to read.
Memorization Ease
One of the great advantages of using flashcards is that they can help you learn and memorize information more effectively especially if you are a visual learner. You can easily envision the content of the card by imaging it in your brain making it easy for you to memorize and recall information.
Flashcards will help you focus more
Another advantage of using flashcards is that they can help you to focus your studying. When you have a stack of flashcards, you can quickly go through them and focus on the information that you need to learn. This can save you a lot of time and effort, and help you to better retain the information.
Flashcards can be used to test your knowledge
Flashcards can also be a great way to test your knowledge. After you have studied with your flashcards, you can test yourself by flipping through them and seeing how much you remember. This can be a great way to gauge your progress and see how well you are doing.
Flashcard makes topic prioritization easy
The first advantage of flashcards is that they can assist the user in establishing priorities. With flashcards, you may quickly and easily determine which items are top priority and which are not. It is also a method of organizing topics that you wish to study.
Making the Study More Fun
The usage of flashcards breaks up the boredom of learning alone and instead makes studying more interesting and fun. It has the power to transform a dull and horrible topic or subject into something fascinating and enjoyable to study. This is why many students choose to utilize flashcards when studying.
Independent Studying
Some people prefer to study alone because they find it difficult to concentrate while others are there. Studying alone can be a lot simpler using flashcards since you can always challenge yourself not to look at the answers on the other side of the flashcard. Nobody will stop you if you want to know the answer first before remembering it.
Flashcards also help group study
Flashcards can also improve group study if you are someone who prefers to study in a group. You can also use flashcards to your advantage by getting someone to flip the flashcards in case of an unsure answer. Your study group can also take turns in testing each other on any important exam topics. This will keep everybody in the group participating in the learning process which will eventually result in an effective and efficient learning process.
Flashcards are inexpensive.
When it comes to study material, flashcards are reasonably one of the most cost-effective options. You don’t have to worry about getting a sophisticated deck of cards to develop flashcards. You can easily construct flashcards from plain cardboard or index cards. So if you are looking for inexpensive study material then think of flashcards.
How to make flashcards from a textbook or any study material
1. Read first
To be able to create a flashcard from your textbook or your professor’s study material, you need to read and have a glimpse of what you are about to do. Reading at least two times is enough for you to make your flashcards. The first time is for you to get a glimpse of the topic, and then the second one is when you start making your flashcards.
2. Write the major point
As you are reading the term for the second time, you will need to pay attention and jot down important concepts, key terms, and formulas on one side of the flashcard. The key here is not to stock your flashcards with unimportant information.
3. Write on both sides of the flashcard
If the topic you are reading has an exercise or review questions, you can write the question on one side of a flashcard and the answer on the other side. In the case where the material you are reading does not have a review question, you can create yours. Also, for topics that require definition, you can write the word on one side and the meaning on the other side.
4. Be creative
Get creative with colors. Design your flashcards the best way possible, you can try to make each flashcard unique. Use shorthand, and be careful not to stock your flashcard with too much information.