<p><a href="https://apps.ankiweb.net/">Anki</a> is not only a flashcard application. You may use it for more than just memorizing words and facts, but to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/memory-consolidation#:~:text=Memory%20consolidation%20is%20defined%20as,of%20synaptic%20connections%20between%20neurons">consolidate</a> what you've already known or understand better.</p>
<p>Also, you may use it for learning, too - that is, it helps you create a <a href="https://www.mindmapping.com/mind-map#:~:text=A%20Mind%20Map%20is%20a,framework%20around%20a%20central%20concept.">mind map</a> of your knowledge, organizes basic information, and consolidate it.</p>
<p>It's what Michael Nielsen said about Anki in the <a href="http://augmentingcognition.com/ltm.html">"Augmenting Long-term Memory"</a> essay(we do recommend you checking it out to understand the other concepts when learning something):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Anki isn't just a tool for memorizing simple facts. It's a tool for understanding almost anything.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Anki works best if you <strong>understand how to make it work</strong>. So, to use it effectively, spend some time learning to understand the main concept behind the tool.</p>
<p>We also wrote an article on <a href="/blog/how-to-make-flashcards">how to make flashcards</a> where we've mentioned Anki too, but it's worth noting a new article covering a lot more about Anki! To be precise, how to use it effectively.</p>
<h2 id="what-is-anki"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#what-is-anki"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>What is Anki?</h2>
<p>Anki is an online <a href="/blog/how-to-make-flashcards#what-are-flashcards">flashcard</a> tool that you can use on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. It allows you to remember and recall information no matter where you are quick.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-1.webp" alt="what is Anki" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3 id="what-are-anki-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#what-are-anki-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>What are Anki cards?</h3>
<p>Anki cards are the usual flashcards. They're only customized for the Anki app so that you can add sounds, images, or videos there. Also, you can customize it even more by adding other fields to cards like a <em>note</em> or <em>context</em>. In this article, you will learn how to make good Anki cards!</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-2.webp" alt="what are Anki cards" loading="lazy"></p>
<h2 id="why-use-anki"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#why-use-anki"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Why use Anki?</h2>
<h4 id="1-its-a-low-cost-alternative"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#1-its-a-low-cost-alternative"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>1. It's a low-cost alternative</h4>
<p>Anki can be downloaded for free on Android(see <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ichi2.anki&#x26;hl=en&#x26;gl=US">AnkiDroid</a> app), but you will need to pay for IOS. Anki Web can be used for free. Anki Web is also available for free if you don't have an IOS option. It delivers solid results when you invest your time.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-3.webp" alt="AnkiDroid for Android to use Anki on a smartphone" loading="lazy"></p>
<h4 id="2-it-is-a-popular-language-learning-app"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#2-it-is-a-popular-language-learning-app"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>2. It is a popular language-learning app</h4>
<p>Anki is used all over the globe by people. There are many tutorials, support forums, and Q&#x26;As online. The Anki user guide is very detailed and informative. It's also available in Spanish if you wish to try it! It's worth saying that people use the tool for various purposes, not only to learn languages.</p>
<h4 id="3-its-accessible"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#3-its-accessible"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>3. It's accessible</h4>
<p>Anki desktop, AnkiDroid, Anki IOS, or <a href="https://ankiweb.net/decks/">Anki Web</a> app options: they're available on several platforms and adapt to any device you have at any moment.</p>
<h4 id="4-it-has-pre-designed-flashcard-decks"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#4-it-has-pre-designed-flashcard-decks"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>4. It has pre-designed flashcard decks</h4>
<p>Anki offers many flashcard decks that you can download and use for your purposes. You can also share decks with other users. There's a huge community of people who create flashcards on various topics and share them with others!</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-4.webp" alt="Anki shared flashcard decks" loading="lazy"></p>
<h4 id="5-you-can-customize-it"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#5-you-can-customize-it"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>5. You can customize it</h4>
<p>The cards can be customized as you wish. You can also add decks to your Anki, as we have mentioned. In addition, audio recordings can be added, and visual learners can add pictures.</p>
<h2 id="how-to-get-started-with-anki"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#how-to-get-started-with-anki"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>How to get started with Anki</h2>
<p>Anki requires a computer or laptop and a smartphone to start using it. Flashcards can be created using a computer(a bit slower on a smartphone) much quicker than with a pen and paper.</p>
<h3 id="downloading-anki"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#downloading-anki"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Downloading Anki</h3>
<p>Go to AnkiWeb to download Anki for your computer. Next, download the app. If you are on Android, search for "AnkiDroid" in Google Play Store.
iOS users must pay for the app, where the app receives its funds. Even if the app is paid on Android, we would still pay for it. It's just unimaginable.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-5.webp" alt="downloading Anki" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3 id="how-to-create-and-organize-decks"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#how-to-create-and-organize-decks"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>How to create and organize decks</h3>
<p>After you have installed and opened Anki, you will see one deck called <strong>"Default"</strong>.
You have the option to either rename it or create a new deck. You may also learn more about <a href="https://docs.ankiweb.net/getting-started.html#cards">cards</a> concepts.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-6.webp" alt="how to create a card in the Default deck in Anki Web" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>Click the <strong>"Create Deck"</strong> button at the bottom of the Anki window to create a new deck. The Deck name will be requested. We prefer to use the name of my subject for this one.</p>
<p>Click the <strong>"Add"</strong> button at the top of your window to create cards.
You should know that the card you just saw is one of the "Basic Card Types".</p>
<p>The <strong>"Basic"</strong> card type lets you perform the traditional flashcard study.
Cloze deletion is an alternative type of card that allows you to fill in the blanks.</p>
<p>We found the most flexible card type, the <strong>"Cloze"</strong>, to be the easiest to create. This was back in Anki 2.0.
Both work fine. Let's get on with organizing our cards.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-7.webp" alt="how to create a &#x22;Cloze&#x22; type card" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>You may prefer tags over subdecks. <strong>Why use tags?</strong> It simplifies everything — no need to create subdecks for every subject. You can use "Custom Study" later on.</p>
<p>There are two ways to add tags to cards during card creation or by using the <strong>Card Browser</strong>. We recommend adding tags during card creation. It's faster and more proactive.</p>
<h2 id="tips-on-creating-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#tips-on-creating-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Tips on creating cards</h2>
<p>The easiest way to create high-quality cards is to include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A well-formulated question</li>
<li>This is a short and specific answer</li>
<li>Source screenshot</li>
<li>Optional tags</li>
<li>As long as you keep your memories, you should be fine</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="you-dont-need-to-create-a-lot-of-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#you-dont-need-to-create-a-lot-of-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>You don't need to create a lot of cards</h4>
<p>There are many resources that have been edited and analyzed over multiple years by teams of people. Which deck do you think is better? Which deck do you prefer? You could argue that you're learning the material by creating your own cards, but it takes way too much time. As a second-year medical student, almost all of my friends who made their cards last year have stopped making them and now use premade decks.</p>
<h4 id="keep-your-cards-brief"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#keep-your-cards-brief"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Keep your cards brief</h4>
<p>One fact per card is a good rule of thumb.</p>
<p><img src="/images/19-8.webp" alt="keeping Anki cards brief and simple to learn effective" loading="lazy"></p>
<h4 id="dont-try-to-memorize-everything"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#dont-try-to-memorize-everything"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Don't try to memorize everything</h4>
<p>You will quickly become overwhelmed and lose track of the reviews. Instead, focus only on high-yield topics and see what comes up in practice questions or multiple lectures.</p>
<h4 id="you-can-link-to-external-resources"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#you-can-link-to-external-resources"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>You can link to external resources</h4>
<p>It is important to understand the whole concept you are learning. You may be able to grasp it when you create the card but not when you look at it again in after some long time, say, 6 months.</p>
<p>When creating new cards, here are some rules to follow.</p>
<h3 id="rule-1-first-learn-then-do-the-spaced-practice"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#rule-1-first-learn-then-do-the-spaced-practice"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Rule #1. First, learn. Then do the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition">spaced practice</a>.</h3>
<p>For those just beginning, you should know that these flashcards are to verify what you have already learned.</p>
<p>It's not quite a great idea to try out what you don't know - many people do. Although it's easy to believe that Anki can help you remember everything, understanding the material is what matters. Except you remember isolated facts, context is essential for retention.</p>
<p>What's the worst thing if you don't adhere to this rule?
While you will know how to answer the flashcard, you'll discover that the "knowledge", you have gained cannot be applied elsewhere.
You acquire pseudo-knowledge.</p>
<h3 id="rule-2-short-question-short-answer"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#rule-2-short-question-short-answer"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Rule #2. Short question, short answer.</h3>
<p>Do not try to insert paragraphs on a card.
Do not even attempt to answer "Explain" questions.
Try to break them down as little as possible.</p>
<h3 id="rule-3-the-cards-number-doesnt-matter"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#rule-3-the-cards-number-doesnt-matter"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Rule #3. The cards number doesn't matter</h3>
<p>The cards number doesn't matter as long as you adhere to the rules above when adding cards. You must understand all concepts.</p>
<p>Break down a concept as often as you can. This will allow you to recall every card in faster than a second. Although it won't take less than a second to recall each card, that's precisely how it will feel.</p>
<p>It is much quicker than creating several long, complicated cards.</p>
<p>You could use this example:</p>
<ul>
<li>"What are Newton's Three Laws of Motion?"</li>
<li>You write questions like:</li>
<li>"What is Newton's First Law of Motion?"</li>
<li>"What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?"</li>
<li>"Which law says F=ma?" (obviously, this question covers one angle of a law - also known as redundancy).</li>
</ul>
<p>This eliminates ambiguity, making it easier to answer your cards. You'll quickly realize that it can get tiresome if you do a mini-brain dump for each card.</p>
<h2 id="tips-to-learn-effectively"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#tips-to-learn-effectively"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Tips to learn effectively</h2>
<p>Here are tips you may follow to use Anki more effectively.</p>
<h4 id="use-the-pomodoro-method-when-studying-with-anki"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#use-the-pomodoro-method-when-studying-with-anki"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Use the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique">Pomodoro</a> method when studying with Anki</h4>
<p>This breaks down your learning into time periods. The study is for a set amount of time. Then you take a break. The traditional 25-minute study time and 5-minute break are my favorites. The method should help you not to get distracted while studying, and it improves your productivity. This is supported by scientific articles here and here.</p>
<p>Except that you can take a 20-30-minute break on the fourth break. This is what a study day looks like:</p>
<ul>
<li>25 Min Study</li>
<li>5 Min Break</li>
<li>25 Min Study</li>
<li>5 Min Break</li>
<li>25 Min Study</li>
<li>5 Min Break</li>
<li>25 Min Study</li>
<li>30 Minute Break</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="anki-addons"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#anki-addons"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a><a href="https://ankiweb.net/shared/addons/2.1">Anki addons</a></h4>
<p>Addons are great, but you shouldn't waste too much time trying to find the perfect workflow. It's not good to optimize too early. Use what works best for you right now. However, be eager to experiment!</p>
<h4 id="customizing-the-cards-look"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#customizing-the-cards-look"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Customizing the cards' look</h4>
<p>Customize the look for your cards if you have the time. It will make your reviews more fun, and it will be a great way to learn HTML/CSS. Who knows, maybe you will be creating websites after it?</p>
<h4 id="use-mobile-anki-apps"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#use-mobile-anki-apps"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Use mobile Anki apps</h4>
<p>Download AnkiMobile and AnkiDroid. If you commute somewhere every day or once in a while, you may want to spend this time productively. Use the mobile apps to review your cards or to create new ones.</p>
<h4 id="keep-track-of-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#keep-track-of-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Keep track of cards</h4>
<p>Keeping track of cards will help you avoid forgetting important information and improve your recall. Mark all cards that require editing while on the move, and then edit them when you return to your desktop.</p>
<h4 id="add-context-to-your-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#add-context-to-your-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Add context to your cards</h4>
<p>To contextualize what you are learning, add "notes" to the field. Anything can be used, whether it's excerpted from primary literature or personal comments and associations. This will help you to build connections between different pieces of information.</p>
<h4 id="tags-again"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#tags-again"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Tags, again</h4>
<p>For permanent organization, use tags. Decks can be used for temporary organization or to apply different scheduling settings for different flashcard corpora.</p>
<h4 id="redundant-cards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#redundant-cards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Redundant cards</h4>
<p>Try creating redundant cards to help you understand difficult facts (e.g., A combination of several card types, such as regular flashcards, clozes, image occlusion, and so on.</p>

<p>We, as students, are always looking for ways to improve our learning. There are many options for education and studying, including digital tools, notes, and flashcards. Flashcards can be simple and traditional, but they are also one of the best tools for learning.</p>
<p>We'll explain why flashcards can be so helpful and then show you how to create flashcards. There are many ways to make them, including online and mobile apps.</p>
<h2 id="what-are-flashcards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#what-are-flashcards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>What are flashcards?</h2>
<p><img src="/images/18-1.webp" alt="how to make flashcards" loading="lazy"></p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashcard">Flashcards</a> are small notes cards that can be used to test and improve memory by practicing information retrieval. Flashcards are usually two-sided, with the prompt and information on the other. These may include names, concepts, vocabulary. One side may read "Biblioklept" and the other "One who steals books". There are usually several flashcards, which, taken together, represent the category of information that you want to learn, remember, master.</p>
<h2 id="why-flashcards-are-useful"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#why-flashcards-are-useful"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Why flashcards are useful</h2>
<p>Flashcards can be an effective way to self-test. Making flashcards can be a great way to work the information. It will challenge you to consider which information should be on each side and what description is on the other. You can use flashcards as part of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition">spaced practice</a>. Repeating the information helps you determine what information is easy to remember and what requires more effort. Finally, flashcards are a great time-management tool that allows you to make the most of any time available, whether during study sessions or throughout the day.</p>
<p><img src="/images/18-2.webp" alt="why use flashcards: are they useful" loading="lazy"></p>
<p><a href="https://metacognitive.me/active-learning/">Active recall</a>(or, see on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testing_effect">Wiki</a>) is required for flashcards. You can't just review your notes or watch a YouTube video about the subject. Instead, you must guess or recall the correct answer. Active recall is a test of your memory. This gives you the chance to recall the solution instead of relying on notes and others. Your brain and memory work actively to retain and learn the information better than if it were only passively experienced.</p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacognition">Metacognition</a> is also involved in flashcards. This refers to your awareness of your thoughts and processes. This is when you correctly guess the answer and flip the card over to verify your accuracy. You are self-evaluating your abilities and correcting yourself if you get it wrong by looking at the answer. This helps you improve your learning abilities and help you master the subject matter.</p>
<p>Flashcards also employ spaced repetition, which is a method of learning where you repeatedly refer to the same material. Your brain will recall information more quickly if you constantly interact with the same topics. Flashcards that are structured into groups with different information and difficulty levels work best for spacing repetition. This practice allows for more frequent reviews of complex issues than simple topics. It reinforces spaced learning.</p>
<p><img src="/images/18-3.webp" alt="flashcards and spaced repetition" loading="lazy"></p>
<h2 id="how-to-create-flashcards"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#how-to-create-flashcards"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>How to create flashcards</h2>
<p>Flashcards can be made by hand or digitally using tools. Although making cards by hand is faster than creating them online, some students prefer to have physical cards. Both are equally effective. You'll have to choose which medium you like. Check out these handy tips and apps to help you make flashcards.</p>
<h4 id="handwritten-by-pen-and-paper"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#handwritten-by-pen-and-paper"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Handwritten by pen and paper</h4>
<p>Start with index cards to make your flashcards. You can also cut regular sheets of paper into equal pieces if you don't own index cards. You can then write it by hand or use Google Docs or Microsoft Word to type it and print it. Writing the information can help you learn and process it faster than typing it into a computer form.</p>
<p><img src="/images/18-4.webp" alt="making flashcards by hand" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>You can also take your paper flashcards to class. However, you may not be allowed to access flashcards on your mobile phone during classes because many teachers and schools have restrictions or bans on using phones.</p>
<h4 id="using-apps-and-online-tools"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#using-apps-and-online-tools"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Using apps and online tools</h4>
<p>You may try to use apps to make flashcards online. The apps make the process easy and quick in comparison with manual creation. Online flashcards might be more convenient for students who are used to working on computers and workbooks.</p>
<p>You can make flashcards using many different websites and apps. E.g., <a href="https://quizlet.com/">Quizlet</a>, <a href="https://cram.com/">Cram</a>. The <a href="https://www.flashcardmachine.com/">Flashcard Machine</a> can be used to add sound to flashcards, which is great for auditory learners. If you prefer group learning sessions, you can create flashcard sets with other students.</p>
<p><img src="/images/18-5.webp" alt="AnkiWeb interface to make flashcards" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>Let's consider the most popular and effective free tool to make flashcards: <a href="https://apps.ankiweb.net/">Anki</a>.</p>
<h3 id="how-does-anki-work"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#how-does-anki-work"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>How does Anki work</h3>
<p>Anki, an open-source flashcard application that utilizes repeated repetition algorithms. It helps you avoid <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgetting_curve">natural forgetting</a>.</p>
<p>Anki can assist you deliberately in storing information in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-term_memory">long-term memory</a>, even if your recall skills aren't exceptional.
However, there is a caveat.</p>
<ul>
<li>Anki is used to supplement your learning process.</li>
<li>It's not a magic bullet nor a replacement for poor learning skills. However, it is a great tool.</li>
<li>Anki only covers the last of the brain's processes for long-term data encoding.</li>
<li>Anki won't help you if the first second-thirds is not working correctly in the system you are using for studying.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you use Anki correctly, you can have a tremendous advantage over other people that use conservative methods:</p>
<ul>
<li>It is almost a guarantee that whatever you learn (if done correctly) will be remembered for a long period of time.</li>
<li>Your prior knowledge allows you to quickly grasp complex concepts.</li>
<li>This eliminates the time-consuming study activity that is most time-wasting: Restudying what you have already studied because you forgot.</li>
<li>It is possible to turn your downtime into productive study hours (for example, Anki allows you to practice 50 items while you eat).</li>
</ul>
<p>The best part is that you will enjoy a significant long-term efficiency advantage. How to use Anki effectively? The best way is to get used to it by practicing a lot(make many flashcards and see what works best for you).</p>
<h2 id="tips-to-use-flashcards-more-productive"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#tips-to-use-flashcards-more-productive"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Tips to use flashcards more productive</h2>
<p>Flashcards can be a great way of supplementing your learning and getting the most out of the time you spend studying. Flashcards are great for learning dates, facts, vocabulary, history, and foreign languages. Here are some tips for making flashcards and studying flashcards more effective, no matter what subject you are in.</p>
<h3 id="keep-the-information-simple"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#keep-the-information-simple"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Keep the information simple</h3>
<p><img src="/images/18-6.avif" alt="keep simple information in flashcards to memorize better" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>Flashcards should have only one topic or answer per card. This makes it easy to review and study and prevents the study session from becoming overwhelming. For questions with more than one answer, it is best to avoid using bullet points. Instead, to aid memorization, create flashcards that correspond to each answer.</p>
<p>It's a good idea for those who need to memorize more complicated topics to be broken down into smaller sections. Then, a larger flashcard can connect the ideas or lay them out in a way that helps to understand how the smaller pieces relate to form a larger concept.</p>
<h3 id="speak-the-information-out-loud"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#speak-the-information-out-loud"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Speak the information out loud</h3>
<p>For learning new content, repetition is critical. Learning is more effective if you use all your senses. For example, you'll be more likely to recall the information if you write it down and then say it aloud while studying. This is because active study methods are being used.</p>
<h3 id="employ-images-videos"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#employ-images-videos"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Employ images, videos</h3>
<p><img src="/images/18-7.avif" alt="make flashcards with images" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>As if you were saying the answer loudly, visuals can help you associate the topics and make it easier to remember the information. To help with complex issues, you can make silly drawings or draw images to represent vocabulary words. Highlighters can be used to highlight important information and direct your attention to the correct answer.</p>
<h3 id="combine-various-things-and-methods"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#combine-various-things-and-methods"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Combine various things and methods</h3>
<p>Try to study flashcards in a different sequence. It will prevent you from memorizing only the order of correct answers but not the actual information. You can reverse the order of your flashcards by going in one direction. You can flip the cards around and go through the flashcard deck several times per study session. You can also read the answers to the questions and attempt to recall the answer. It builds neurological pathways that help memory recall.</p>
<h3 id="review-and-learn-frequently"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#review-and-learn-frequently"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Review and learn frequently</h3>
<p>It is said that practice makes perfect. If you don't use your flashcards and note cards often, they won't be of many benefits to you. Regular study is crucial for learning, whether you are studying for college exams or advanced exams in high school. For the best results, plan a flashcard study session at minimum once a week and refresh your concepts before taking an exam.</p>
<h2 id="how-do-flashcards-work"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#how-do-flashcards-work"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>How do flashcards work?</h2>
<p>Flashcards effectively imprint information in our short- and long-term memory when used correctly. As a result, flashcards can be very effective in helping you learn. It all depends on how often you review the information and revise what's been learned.</p>
<p>Cognitive science has revealed several strategies to aid learners in memorizing information. Flashcards can be used in all of these strategies and are a great way for cognitive science to be brought into the classroom.</p>
<h3 id="interleaving"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#interleaving"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Interleaving</h3>
<p>Interleaving refers to mixing and matching topics. It allows the learner to make connections between the issues and helps them process the information more efficiently. This contrasts with blocked practice, which involves students studying a subject intensely before moving on to another.</p>
<p>Suppose a student is studying a novel in English, for example. In that case, they might need to know about the novel's characters, plot, themes, and structure. The student can make stronger connections between these different areas in their brain, which will help them better understand the entire novel. This knowledge and the cyclical revision process make it easier to recall information.</p>
<h3 id="retrieval-practice"><a aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" href="#retrieval-practice"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Retrieval practice</h3>
<p>The purpose of retrieval practice is to support learning by encouraging students not to introduce new information but to recall and build upon what they already know. This strategy can be used during plenaries and starters to help students get in the mood to celebrate and learn from their previous knowledge in different subject areas.</p>
<p>Suppose you want to use flashcards in retrieval practice, for example. In that case, you could give each student a set and ask them to list as many facts as possible about the topic. Then, the students could work in small groups to create a larger deck of flashcards. Again, make sure to remove duplicates. The class could then discuss their ideas, and the flashcards could go on the shelf for revision later.</p>
<p>This activity is an excellent example of retrieval practice. It celebrates what students know and exposes them to information they might have forgotten or not considered at the time. This information can be re-enforced in the long-term memory to be available for later use.</p>