Using flashcards by yourself is an effective way to test your recall and reinforce learning. A common method involves actively retrieving information from memory and verifying your answer.
The core process centers around testing yourself on the information presented on each card's front.
Self-Testing Steps
To use flashcards effectively on your own, follow these steps based on the individual memorization technique:
- Start with the Top Card: Take the first flashcard from your stack.
- Read the Prompt: Look only at the front of the card, which contains the question, term, or prompt you need to answer or explain.
- Recall and Explain: Without looking at the back of the card, try to recall the information associated with the prompt. Explain the related information out loud. Saying it out loud helps solidify the information in your memory and allows you to practice articulating the answer.
- Check Your Answer: Flip the card over to reveal the information on the back. Compare it to your spoken explanation.
- Evaluate Your Accuracy: Determine if your answer was correct and thorough.
Managing Your Cards
After checking your answer, you need a system to manage the cards based on your performance:
- If you were correct and your explanation was thorough, set that card aside in a separate pile. These are cards you've demonstrated understanding of for this round.
- If you were incorrect or your answer was not thorough, keep the card in your current working stack or move it to a 'retry' pile. You'll need to review and re-test yourself on these cards.
This method allows you to cycle through the cards, focusing subsequent rounds on the material you still need to master. Repeatedly testing yourself and actively retrieving information without peeking is key to solidifying memory.
By consistently following these steps, you can use flashcards independently to identify areas needing more practice and track your progress as your correct pile grows.
