Flashcards Benefits

Hello. In this education post, I would like to talk about the benefits of flashcards. I have been using them a lot at my Mathnasium online work on some students. Regular physical flashcards are not available so I use this flashcards link from Ascend Math a lot to help the students get better and faster at addition/subtraction/multiplication/division.

This website has flashcards for addition/subtraction/multiplication/division with negative numbers. The website is ideal for older students such as grade 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Reference: https://www.brainscape.com/academy/are-flashcards-effective/

Fast & Easy To Use

Flashcards are a great tool for helping with memorization. The learning process with flashcards is through active recall along with trial and error. One side of the flashcard has a question for you to answer from your head (with no writing). Once an answer is given, flip the card to see the answer on the other side of the flashcard.

Shuffling the flashcards changes the order of the questions. This allows for a different and random flashcards session each time.

Instant Feedback

Flashcards questions are designed such that the user can answer questions and check answers fast. This instant feedback helps the user know if they are right or not. If the user is not right, the correct answer can be shown so the user can compare their incorrect answer and the right answer. This allows for self-reflection.

Compact & Portable

Physical flashcards do not weigh a lot nor do they take a lot of space. This makes them great for learning on the go. Long commutes to school suck but you can make it less awful with flashcards while sitting down for long periods of time on the bus or train.

Those who have flashcards mobile applications such as Memrise and Anki can use the digital flashcards on the go too. I know Memrise has an offline option so you do not have to worry about data overages but I don't know about Anki.

Building Memory

Flashcards are not really for one-time use. It is ideal to use flashcards often (once a day or even twice a day) for spaced repetition to retain information and forget less. (See Forgetting Curve below.) Sometimes we get things wrong because of bad memory even though we have learned the concept before. With regular practice with the use of flashcards, you build memory, accuracy and speed. Being accurate and fast is helpful for tests and for explaining concepts with confidence.

Image From Brainscape Website

(I think the Forgetting Curve is not exact. The important takeaway here is that regular exposure to material builds retention, memory and helps with forgetting less.)

Flashcard Topics

Flashcards are very helpful for effective memorization in a variety of topics. This allows for versatility.

• Mathematics - Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction, Time & Money, Definitions. Measurement Conversions, Key Formulas
• Language Learning For Vocabulary and Common Phrases
• Body Parts
• Memorizing Animals
• Matching Capital Cities Of Countries
• Memorizing Key Historical Dates
• Science Facts