Grasping an entire semester’s concepts can feel like an impossible task. Study flashcards are an effective memorizing tool for coursework, but have you ever felt like your study cards just aren’t working? If this describes you, read on to discover different ways to make better study cards so that they work perfectly for your studying needs.

Read First

Before making your flashcards, it’s essential to know what you need to grasp. This entails going through your notes to find out what is required. If you’re trying to remember the definitions of a few words, then just making cards with those words written on them will suffice. 

However, if your goal is to memorize an entire concept in general, like how to write an article review, you need to make an effort first to read and understand the content.


Determine the Content

Once you’ve read and determined what you need to know, the next step is to break it down into a few sentences, each with its card. Remember, less is better when it comes to the number of words on each card. 

If you have a lot of information to remember, then cutting it down into smaller cards will make them easier to memorize and retain when studying. Be careful, though, to avoid creating too many cards. 

Break Down Cards by Topic

Some of the topics you can choose from are: patterns in math and science, symbols and their meanings, definitions, or terms that belong together like “polar bear” and “arctic,” etc.

For each card, read the sentence on one side of the flashcard. On the other side of the card, write down what you just read in your own words. Then test yourself by flipping over to see if you got it right or wrong. If you get it right, then move on to another card.

Take Note of Important Information

Identifying important words like formulae, symbols, definitions, and other vital bits of information is a great start. Write them down in your own words on the back of each card, or use short phrases.

Sometimes you can use examples as a learning tool. A case in point is having a short poem analysis essay example on your flashcard instead of just defining it.

Work on Bigger Flashcards

If you have a lot of information to memorize, it may work best using much larger flashcards that cover the whole page and consist of smaller cards inserted into one another. This way, if your card has a lot of information, it’s easier to carry them around with you without taking up much space.

Use Color Coding and Symbols

Reinforce what is most important by using color coding or symbols on each card. For example, use red ink for formulae, blue for vocabulary, and green for grammar structures. Using different colors simplifies searching for the information you need to revise.

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonics are a great way of making memorization easier and much more fun. They can take various forms, including:

  • phrases
  • sentences
  • songs 
  • rhymes 
  • acronyms 
  • images

Mnemonic devices are also a great way to remember the order of things. For example, in science, you can use ‘My very educated mother just served us nine pizzas’ as an easy mnemonics for remembering the planet order. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Planet Nine.

Use a Grid System for Your Cards

Another great way to organize your flashcards is by using a grid system. You may want to use three columns and six rows if there are nine cards in each column (e.g., three groups of three). This will allow you to organize your cards by subject, figure out what needs to be learned first and where things are located in the flashcard.

Keep It Simple

One way to make memorization easy is by using simple flashcards. For instance, if you’re answering a question about what is an argumentative essay, you need to highlight the key elements. You can get these from your class notes or textbooks.

Plan Your Cards Ahead of Time

Many students make the mistake of frantically writing their flashcards when they need them. This is not only ineffective but also leaves you with no time to study once it’s all written out on cards. 

Use Images

Consider using images or illustrations to help break the monotony in your cards. Furthermore, having physical flashcards with pictures or other visuals can help immensely in remembering what you’ve learned – they are much more memorable than just text alone.

Use a Readable Font

Using an easy-to-read font can help you focus more on studying and reading. Furthermore, it will cut down the time you spend making cards as they are easier to read. Using a font that you are already familiar with will help your brain process information faster and make revision less tiring, especially for your eyes.

Conclusion

Flashcards are an effective study tool for diligent students. They can help you memorize vocabulary, learn a new language, or prepare for tests and exams in school. Using them correctly ensures that they’re working effectively. Follow these simple guidelines, and soon enough, you’ll have mastered the content on those cards like never before