How to Make Fabulous Flashcards

Flashcards. One of the most popular methods of revision from exams. But how do you create fabulous flashcards? How do you create effective flashcards that will get you the desired results? Read on to find out some top tips on getting the most out of your flashcards.

What are flash cards?

Flashcards are used for educational purposes, typically on rigid cards to improve durability. They are often used as a revision technique; they contain a small amount of information or a question with the answer on the other side. Flashcards are a suitable study aid for any student. There are many benefits of flashcards, they are small and portable, which makes them a practical tool because you can study on the move and make the most of your time.

The different ways to make flash cards

There are a few different ways you can make flashcards. If you consider yourself a creative person, you may want to do handwritten flashcards. But there are digital flashcards too, so you should choose the option that suits you best. It has been proven that handwritten flashcards help you recall more information than digital ones because your brain will memorize the spelling of words, rather than typing them on a computer.

To make your flashcards by hand, the first thing you need to do is to prepare the materials. You will need a thick card, pens or markers, and maybe a laminator if you want your cards to last longer. When you write the information down, ensure that it is clear, concise, and clarifies what you need to remember. Use bright colors and keep the design simple. For digital flashcards, you can use many various software programs including Word, Google Docs, or Canva. When designing your digital flashcards, the same rules apply, clear, concise, and clarify the important thing that you want to recall.

How to use flash cards

Flashcards should be used for testing your knowledge, they are not a tool for summarizing topics. The purpose of flashcards is repetitive learning to increase your memory and be able to recall information when you are being tested and sitting an exam. The most popular way of using flashcards is to put the question on the front and the answer on the back or to write the topic or word and definition on the back. You want to remember what you learn, not recognize what you read. Keep one idea per flashcard and use a combination of words and pictures. The Pictorial Superiority Effect (PSE) explains that our brains find it easier to remember visual inputs, pictures are easier to remember than words. So why not put some diagrams on your flashcards too?

Top tips to make effective flashcards

• Use mnemonic devices to help you remember definitions or terms
• Color code your flashcards as this can uplift your mood and make your revision more efficient
• Use spaced repetition to memorize your flashcards, test yourself regularly but also do other revision techniques such as reading, quizzes, and practice papers