subject: Use Flash Cards To Remember Information [print this page] Use Flash Cards To Remember Information Use Flash Cards To Remember Information
Flash cards or flashcards are set of cards conveying information like numbers or words on one or both front and back (overleaf) of the card. It is generally used as a powerful tool that allows you to remember information better, and promotes memorization through a learning drill inside the classroom or also during a private study. It can bear mathematical formulas, vocabulary, dates of historical events, science, and other subject matter that can be studied through a question and answer format. A flash card is known to be an excellent method of studying because it helps the brain focus on a material and effectively store it for you to recall when prompted.
Here are ways to help you further to remember information with the use of flash cards.
1. Making your own flash cards
Although there are ready-made flashcards in the market for certain subjects, making your own flash cards enables you to study better and learn more. A blank 3" x 5" card or index card works well (for it's not too small, yet not too big). When you encounter a statement that you want to remember, write the details of the statement on the card. Systematically arrange your cards in sections, one for each topic or subject. Doing this system prevents confusion once the cards get mixed up with other topics.
2. Utilize both sides of the flash card
Using both sides of the flash card can be applicable for a question and answer format. The question can be written on one side of the card and the corresponding answer on the overleaf.
To improve your vocabulary, you can write the new word on one side of the flash card, and a 2 to 3 word definition on the other side. This allows an element of surprise. It allows you to think spontaneously, having to think of the answer, than having the answer together with the question on one page. For example, you were assigned to familiarize yourself with different English poets and at least one of their works, you may write on one side the name of the poet "Geoffrey Chaucer", and at the overleaf, "The Canterbury Tales". Flip the cards once in a while. At some point, you will have to recall that it was Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote The Canterbury Tales.
3. Carry your cards with you
Review your cards while you are inside a vehicle, waiting on a line, before sleeping, before getting up in the morning, when you are on a long trip, or whenever you get the chance to read them. Make reviewing your flashcards a routine, as if it were part of your daily activities. Repetition will make you remember information better.
4. Use only small information on a single flash card
Too much information defeats the purpose of a flashcard which is to give a quick recall on the information. A card should only contain one key statement.
5. Use color codes on your flash cards
Different colors can be used to represent certain themes on the information on a flashcard. No particular color is required as long as consistency on the use of the color applies. For example, in mathematics, specifically on fractions, you wish to assign yellow for all topics related with mixed fractions, you use an orange flash card for equivalent fractions, and green for complex fractions, and so on.
6. Jumble the arrangement of the flashcards frequently
After having written and reviewed your cards logically for the first time, mix them up from time to time when going through them again. This will allow you to remember a piece of information about the subject you are studying when it is not in order. During an exam, questions may come in any order; it will be easier for you to recall the detail that you need, for you have already trained yourself for such an instance.
7. Illustrating your description
Recalling information can also be interesting by drawing, using markers, cut-outs, and pictures to describe the information you would want to remember. This makes the data stand out and noticeable through visual descriptions to help you remember the information on the card.
