So Good, Can’t Believe: Are Flashcards Effective?

If you want to study something, whether it is French language or history, flashcards will be a great help. And even if you aim to memorize all movies that starred your favorite actor, flashcards can help! 

What Are the Flashcards? 

Flashcards are simple study tools used for learning and memorizing information. They typically consist of a card with a question, term, or prompt on one side and the answer or explanation on the other. Digital flashcards can be in the form of an application like Anki Pro. 

Why Are Flashcards So Good for Active Learning? 

Let’s discuss in more detail why we recommend using flashcards.

• Portable — either physical or digital flashcards can be easily taken anywhere. You can study at home or during the daily commute. 
• Customizable — Users can tailor flashcards to their specific needs, adding images, keywords, or detailed explanations.
• Easy to make — anyone can make flashcards for their specific topic (history period, your personal life story — anything can become a flashcard deck). 
• Suitable to use in a group or alone — use flashcards in a group to quiz each other and discuss answers or study on your own. 

How College Students Can Use Flashcards? 

College students can use flashcards as a study tool for most courses. For example: 

• Language Learning: Vocabulary, phrases, grammar rules.
• Science and Medicine: Terminology, formulas, anatomy.
• History: Dates, events, important figures.
• Geography: Locations of different objects, flags, and names.
• General Education: Key concepts, definitions, or study guides for exams.

Flashcards help you to effectively remember information and save it into long-term memory. Even teachers recommend using flashcards and sometimes even work with them in a class to explain some concepts or add interactivity. Students learn a lot, but the learning process can be less stressful and boring as some might think. With flashcards, you can improve test grades without cramming and sleepless nights.

But you can ask, is not studying with flashcards a waste of time? What kind of proof can be here?

The Big Question: Why Are Flashcards Effective? 

So, flashcards are effective because they use several very effective features, such as: 

• Active Recall: Flashcards encourage active recall, requiring you to retrieve information from memory, and strengthen neural connections.
• Spaced Repetition: Repeating flashcards with increasing intervals (spaced repetition) enhances long-term retention.
• Personalization: You can create cards that suit your learning style, focusing on areas where you need improvement.
• Dual Coding: Adding images or diagrams on flashcards alongside text engages multiple senses, enhancing long term memory.
• Focused Attention: Using flashcards minimizes distractions, encouraging concentrated study sessions. 

Are There Any Proofs of Effectivity? 

Ok, a lot of people recommend flashcards and it sounds like they make sense. But what about more solid and scientific proof that flashcards work? Yes, the effectiveness of flashcards for storing information in long term memory is scientifically proven!

📚 Active Recall and Testing Effect 

Research indicates that active recall, a process where learners actively retrieve correct answers from memory, significantly improves retention. Flashcards facilitate this by prompting learners to recall information, strengthening memory pathways. This method has been shown to lead to better test performance compared to passive study techniques.

📚 Spaced Repetition Effectiveness 

The spaced repetition technique, which involves reviewing information at increasing intervals, has been proven to enhance long-term retention. Flashcards are particularly effective when used with spaced repetition algorithms, such as the Leitner system, optimizing the timing of reviews to improve learning outcomes.

Another study of flashcards has proven that they are one of the most effective tools for creating multiple memory-boosting recall events. Research shows that this type of active recall practice can improve retention by 150% compared to passive study methods.

📚 Empirical Evidence

Studies have found that students who utilized flashcards as a study method achieved better test results compared to those who did not. For instance, in a study involving 470 students in an introductory psychology course, over 70% used flashcards, and their exam performance improved significantly.

How to Use Flashcards in the Most Effective Way 

Of course, flashcards will not be effective if you make them unreadable and try to cram for the exam in one night. Even the effective tool should be used wisely so use these simple tips for creating flashcards.

How to Create Your Own Flashcards 

• Keep It Simple: Focus on one concept or question per card. Avoid adding unnecessary details or long explanations.
• Be Precise: Use concise language to avoid confusion. Don’t overload each flashcard with too much information. 
• Add Visuals: Incorporate images, charts, or diagrams for visual memory and better understanding. It is especially useful for subjects like chemistry, geography, and mathematics.
• Create Sub-decks If Needed: organize a large amount of information and structure. Better make more sub-decks than get lost in your own flashcards.

You can also study with a premade flashcards deck if you find a suitable one in the library. But be sure to check the information, because decks are community-based and some mistakes can be found there. 

How to Study With Flashcards? 

Let’s discuss some rules for studying with flashcards to maximize their effectiveness. The rules are the same for college students as they are for any other study.

📎 Daily Practice

Dedicate a specific time daily to review flashcards. Don’t leave studying for the last day of your preparation for the exam, otherwise, you will not have time to memorize the information. 

📎 Study in Short Sessions 

The best way to study is short (15-20 minutes) daily or several times per day. Give yourself a break to take a rest, avoid burnout, and freshen your mind.

📎 Use Spaced Repetition 

Study cards you don’t know or have trouble memorizing more frequently than others. If you use Anki Pro — it has an automatic spaced repetition system with options for medical students and language learners. 

📎 Use Active Recall

Force your mind to think intensively and promote active recall! Don’t flip the cars immediately — try to remember a correct answer, then flip. It will force your mind to engage with the material, reinforcing your memory. So you will remember better! 

📎 Use Multi-Sensory Learning 

Not only remember the answer, say it out loud in your own words, or write it down! Writing or saying engages in different types of memory and that is what you to better memorization. 

Saying out loud engages auditory learning, writing down motor memory. 

📎 Review in Reverse

If it fits your subject, try flipping the routine and start with the answer side of the flashcard. This approach challenges your brain in a new way, ensuring you can recall the information regardless of how it’s presented. It’s an excellent trick to deepen your understanding and memory.

📎 Microlearn! 

One of the best perks of digital flashcards is the freedom to study anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re waiting in line, commuting, or waiting for your friend, you can easily pull up the app and fit in a quick study session. These little bursts of learning add up over time and make a big difference.

📎 Mix With Other Study Methods

Mix learning with flashcards with active note-taking, mind mapping and active reading. Choose a study method you like more and one that is more suitable for your subject. Mixing study methods gives great results increasing understanding and making it easy to memorize information in detail.

Final Tips

We briefly described why flashcards work and why it is a great study method. But every study method should be used right to be effective. Moreover, even the greatest study method will not work if you use it in a way that does not work for you. If you are more visual learner — add pictures in all your own flashcards. If you prefer to study in a group — don’t force yourself into learning alone. Don’t forget about your preferences, be attentive to yourself and study efficiency will only rise. Good luck!