Flashcards are an excellent learning tool for students from preschool to university. It is one of the best ways to learn and study and it is fast and portable.
Flashcards can be a great help to learn simple and complex concepts for an array of subjects such as science, social studies, and language. Teacher or students can make flashcards to aid in the learning process.
Making a Flashcard
Materials
Any stiff paper material can be used to make flashcards. Flashcards can be created from index cards, construction paper, or stiff paper such as card stock. It can be made from traditional blank or lined paper; they are just not as durable.
Color of the flashcard should be the same for each subject. White is a good choice as you can use colored pens to highlight information.
Flashcard Rules
- One question and one answer
- Question on one side and answer on flip side
- Short form
- Highlight important keywords via colored markers, underlining or bolding text
- Include pictures if applicable. A picture is worth a thousand words.
- KIS: Keep it Simple
Creating a Flashcard
- Write a question that only has one answer on the front of a flashcard.
- All questions are written the same way
- Decide on the best answer, write in your own words, and use short form.
- Highlight any key words in the answer.
- Provide a diagram, chart, or picture if applicable.
- In the top corner, use a letter to indicate the subject matter. Always best to do this in the case of an accidental mixing of flashcards, much easier to sort.
Flashcard Examples
Good Question: What is the capital of Canada?
Better Question: Capital of Canada (omit excess language if applicable)
Answer: Ottawa (include location on Canadian map if possible)
Question: Characteristics of a Mammal
Answer: Warm-blooded
Most young are born alive
Fur or hair on their bodies
Mammals have a vertebrate
Lungs to breathe air
Feed milk to their babies
Four Limbs
Include a picture of a mammal for an example. This will assist when thinking of their characteristics.
For characteristics of a mammal, students may need clarification on warm-blooded and vertebrate. Do not place the information on this card; rather write an additional card to illustrate their meanings.
Question: What is a Vertebrate?
Answer: Animal with a backbone
This is a good answer to include a picture of a backbone.
Studying Tips with Flashcards
- Read over your flashcards throughout the day. Time limit is not an issue, as most flashcards can be read, under a minute.
- Read the question and answer without flipping the card. If the answer is correct, place a small check mark in the corner of the flash card. After answering the card 3 or more times correct, take the card out of the study pile, since you have learned the information. Do not waste time reading cards you already know.
- Study with friends and share flashcards to reduce time to creating flashcards.
- Write a question or word on a flashcard and ask the teacher to write the answer on the flip side. Flashcard is created quickly and easily.
Create a flashcard for complex information, even though you do not understand any part of the concept. The process of making a flashcard allows you to learn the information and study for it. Do not leave all the difficult information to study later; you need to time to understand the information.
Debbie DeSpirt - Debbie DeSpirt is an Elementary Teacher for the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada. Her post secondary education ...
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