Written by Christina Pichler, Jun 09, 2022
Do you want to use flashcards for your next exam preparation? Great because this technique is ideal for memorising and preparing for an exam. In this article we answer the question: “How do I correctly study with flashcards?”. We have an overview and a few tips for you, so that you can study effectively and quickly.
Not all flashcards are the same. There are endless forms and types, including the perfect flashcard for you. You can customise them, so that they ideally support your study material.
Of course, you can also make the flashcards by yourself. Grab some paper or carton that you have at home and then cut it into the perfect shape. It’s not only cheap, but also individual.
Sometimes flashcards are labelled old-fashioned or boring; however, that’s not the case. On the contrary: Flashcards have many advantages!
No matter what and which field you have to study, this study technique works for you too. For example, flashcards are perfect for studying vocabulary in foreign languages, historical events and equations from physics, mathematics and chemistry.
One reason for the universal applicability of flashcards are all the different formats. Whether it’s vocabulary + translation, Question-Answer-Cards (e.g. multiple choice, open questions) or diagrams, equations and illustrations.
STUWO tip: Most lecture notes and study material are taught in separate subject areas. Use this structure as orientation.
Apart from our 5 top tips, there are a few other aspects to keep in mind. It’s important that you create clear and structured flashcards.
Furthermore, a card box can be helpful because you can organise your flashcards according to subject areas or study progress. For example, you can create three categories:
You can either buy or make (e.g. shoe box) a card box. Make sure that you have enough dividers.
The Leitner-algorithm is useful to make sure that you master all your flashcards. You need five groups.
It’s important to take study breaks in-between!
If you think that flashcards are out, then try one of the many apps that give flashcards a modern twist. Some helpful, free apps are StudySmarter, Quizlet and Repetico. All three apps allow visual effect (e.g. colour of the font, bold, highlighting) and adding pictures. Furthermore, you can see your learn progress and repeat wrong questions until you know the answer.
We have more tips for quickly and effectively memorising information in our article „Learning by heart“.
This entirely depends on what you are studying with flashcards. In general, the more complex the information, the fewer flashcards you should study at once. Furthermore, you should start with a small stack and then add new flashcards every day. For example, you start with 20 flashcards that you repeat every day. Then you can add around five cards every day.
Either you buy flashcards in a stationary shop or you use paper or carton that you have at home and cut it. Format and colour are up to you. Use visual effects to provide a memory support for your brain: highlighting, underlining, etc.
An estimation is six repetitions; however, the study intervals are more important than the number of repetitions. Repeat your flashcards 20 minutes after first reading them, then after 24 and 48 hours and lastly after 10, 30 and 60 days. Then the information is successfully stored in your long-term memory.
Flashcards are practical, easy and effective. So ideal for the next exam preparation. These tips will help you memorise everything quickly. Are you still looking for the right music for studying? Do you want to combine flashcards and the pomodoro technique? Then our blog will be a valuable resource for you.
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