How Flash Cards Can Save Your Academic Life

I was never big on flashcards when I was an undergrad. For one thing, it always took too much time to make them before any examine. However, as most people already know, it does happen to be one of the best tools for getting information to stick in your head. Today I just aced a 70 question exam on the rules of cataloging in a library science course. Cataloging is one of the more dreaded courses for library science students because the work is very detailed and you must be precise in how you record information. If it wasn't for studying with flashcards, I never would have made it through this test.

Because time is never on my side I learned that it is best to start early in the creation of your learning tool. Generally, even if it is just the week before the exam it is too late. You must leave ample time to study your flashcards rather than just to make them. This was the mistake I encountered as an undergrad. I could never even finish creating my cards. I used the flip through the book method of studying which is always more stressful to do. If you can, while in your lectures add information directly onto a card. That way you save time having to make them later. Than when you are done with your lecture you can begin studying immediately. Sometimes a study guide is given to you. This is great because you basically know what is going to be on the test. Well if you started making cards in the beginning you can modify what you already have and add what is needed.

Another great advantage to flashcards are that they are so portable. I was able to carry my cards everywhere and when I had a free minute I was able to study them. It's great if you are on a train, waiting in line, etc.

Sometimes you end up with too many flashcards. In this case it is best to study your cards in small groups. People learn best by repetition and it is difficult if there are 200 cards in your hand. Difficult questions need to pop up frequently in order for you to learn the answer. I also suggest to pull cards that you frequently error on aside. You will then have a pile of your most difficult questions. Study these questions on their own more than the ones you get right.

There are so many other ways you can use flashcards as well. I have considered creating flashcards for situations that I encounter at work. On one side would be a scenario and on the other I would have a list of suggested scripts. Another great way to use flashcards are for interview questions. This way you are more relaxed when it comes time for that stressful day because you already know what to say.