Do you want to make a set of handy flashcards? Using flashcards is a great way to finally memorize the periodic table, understand the intricate human anatomy, and learn vocabulary. You can make flashcards for almost any subject. To make flashcards you need the right material and information, and you have to put them together.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Preparing to create flashcards
Step 1. Find a workplace
Provide a well-lit workplace where you will not be distracted and where you have everything you need close at hand. You want to be able to concentrate completely on your flashcards. Some people like to have the TV or music on in the background. If that includes you, then go ahead, but be careful not to get distracted.
Step 2. Gather everything you need
This means that you should have your flashcards and your textbook handy. Make sure you have a good pen, markers and whatever else you want to use for writing utensils.
At this stage, you also need to decide what you want to make the flashcards on. Will you use pen and paper or will you be making digital flashcards? In the end it just depends on what you prefer. Studies have shown that most students retain information better when they have to write it out. On the other hand, the convenience of having your flashcards on your phone may be more important to you
Step 3. Highlight the most important information
Extract the most meaningful information from your notes and textbook. Strip it down to the bone so you can transfer it to your cards – on paper or digitally. You can do this by highlighting in your notes or textbook. If you are not allowed to write in your book, write on a separate paper or create a file in the word processor on your computer.
Eventually you will develop a system for taking notes in such a way that you can easily turn them into flashcards. A good way to do this is to highlight or underline the parts your teacher emphasizes. Some people use asterisks, dashes, or other symbols to distinguish important text in their notes
Method 2 of 5: Making paper flashcards
Step 1. Write the keyword or term on one side of the flashcard
Write large so that you can read it easily. You do not include key information here. The idea of flashcards is that when you see an elementary concept, you are able to come up with the information that goes with it. If your teacher has given you questions to ponder, you could also write the question here. Keep this side of the card as simple as possible.
Step 2. Write short, concise notes on the other side of the flashcard
Your goal is to get the most important information on this side of the map. Don't copy your teacher's whole story about Mongolian agriculture or the bicameral legislature. Take the most important points from your teacher and make bullets out of them on the flashcard.
- Write in pencil or light ink so this information doesn't show or print to the other side.
- Create schedules as needed. Don't be afraid to include additional information on the back of your cards, as long as it's information that's essential to the study process.
Step 3. Make sure you write big and clear
If you write small you won't be able to read it easily and if it's too close together you won't be able to take it all in at once. Writing clearly makes it easy to read your notes.
If you find yourself including too much detail on your flashcards, strip it down even further or break it into chunks that you divide over several cards. In that case, write the keyword on the front of the first side with a definition in parentheses below. For example, if you want to remember the causes of the French Revolution, but can't put it on one card, you can make several cards. “French Revolution Causes (Political)”, “French Revolution Causes (Social)”, and “French Revolution Causes (Economic)” could perhaps be maps for this topic
Step 4. Write in bright, bright colors
Colors are your friends. Feel free to indicate certain information with a certain color. For example, if you're learning French verbs, you could write the infinitive of a word on one side of the card, and then write the description in black and the conjugated forms in a different color on the other side. Have fun and be creative. You can use color to further organize the important information on the flashcard. Keep in mind that it remains legible. Yellow ink on a yellow card just doesn't work.
Step 5. Use abbreviations or shorthand to save space
Sometimes you just need a lot of info on one flashcard. You can then see if you can shorten things a bit. Most people develop their own form in this for their own understanding. In general, abbreviations or shorthand are used to emphasize essential information and push back non-essential information. Use '&' for 'and', or 'eg.' for example'.
Method 3 of 5: Create Flashcards with MS Word
Step 1. Open Microsoft Word and start a new document
Regardless of the version you are using, you must open the program first. Then click on the 'New' button. It's in the top bar.
Step 2. Choose a flashcard template
You can do this in two ways. There is a search bar. Type 'flash card' in that bar and the template will appear. You can also just search among all templates in MS Word for the template 'flash card'. Usually you can choose from several templates. Some are colorful. Others are just white. Some are decorated. Choose the one that appeals to you the most, but remember that your flashcards should be easy to read. If they become more complicated by the decoration or color, they are no good.
Step 3. Describe them with the necessary information
Each template shows where to put the key term or idea and where the associated information.
Use colors to further organize your cards. Highlight the text you want to change color and click on the 'Text color' tab at the top of the program. Use a color that is easy to read but stands out from the other color you are using. For example, use black for the primary information and green, blue, red, purple or brown for the different details on the same card
Step 4. Print everything and cut out the flashcards
Flashcards are of no use if they remain on your hard drive. Print them on sturdy cardstock and cut them to size.
You can punch a hole in one corner and put the cards on a ring to keep them together. You can then turn them over as you use them
Method 4 of 5: Using online software or apps to create flashcards
Step 1. Choose an online flash card maker
You can choose from several. In some cases, you can even download the program so that you can use it offline. Sites like cram.com, http://www.flashcardmachine.com, http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/, and https://www.studyblue.com are fine and free.
Step 2. Create an account if necessary
Many online flashcard makers ask that you create an account. This is necessary to ensure that you do not lose the information you have put in it. By creating an account, you can access your flashcards from any computer with an internet connection. This means you can view them on your desktops, laptops, and smartphones.
Step 3. Put all relevant information in it
Each site has a place for the key term, concept or question and a different place for the important information. Some websites, such as cram.com, offer the option to personalize the look of your flashcards by adding color or design. Others like http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/ only provide space for the information.
Step 4. Finish your flashcards
Every website has a button called 'Create flashcards' or 'Process flashcards'. Click on them and start using them.
Step 5. Choose a mobile app to create flashcards
The biggest advantage of a mobile app is that you can take your flashcards with you everywhere you go. There are many mobile apps available that can help you create flashcards. Some are specially arranged by subject, such as mathematics or words.
Most apps are free, so try a few to see which one works best for you
Method 5 of 5: Using Flashcards properly
Step 1. Take the time to make the flashcards
This is the biggest open door of all, because you have to have good information on the cards to benefit from it. Think of making flashcards as part of the study process, not something to help you study. This is often the first step of the study process. Pay close attention to what you write. Try to insert your own insight, as they are making you. It helps you to remember the information.
Some researchers even think that handwritten flashcards work better than the ones you make in MS Word or other software or online. Psychologists have found that information retention is better when students are forced to write it down on paper. Your brain is thus forced to process the new material in a way other than just typing it out word for word
Step 2. Test yourself regularly
Don't just make the flashcards to read them right before a test. Check it regularly. Block a part of your study time, during which you will not be disturbed. Walk through the cards step by step. Keep them handy during the day and watch a few during the TV commercials, while you're on the bus or standing in line at the cash register. Your goal is for you to know the entire stack from front to back, and back to front, and mixed up. That only works if you test yourself often.
Step 3. Have someone else test you
It doesn't matter if that person is in your class or not. They should only be able to read what you have written on the card. Have them show you one side of the card. You then explain what's on the other side, using the key terms.
If you are still new to the information, you can also show your study assistant the back of the card, saying the keyword
Step 4. Keep your cards with you until you're absolutely sure you don't need them anymore
One of the biggest mistakes students make is throwing away their flashcards after a test or exam. Information sticks better over the course of a semester and from lesson to lesson. If you're taking a multi-part test, consider creating a much larger flashcard bank of cards that you can revisit over the coming months.