Flashcards to aid memory

Flashcards are a set of home-made cards used to learn important information. Index cards (used for filing short records) are great for this purpose. Flashcards take a little while to make, but the effort of writing things down also helps memory.

Flashcards are useful because you:

• Can carry them around with you
• Are likely to use them more often
• Improve memory through regular, short reviews of information

Flashcards are a good way of remembering vocabulary words, formulas, equations, definitions, dates and names.

Tips for using flashcards

1. Prepare cards early. The longer you have to learn the material, the better.
2. Use both sides of the card. Write a key word on one side, and the definition or explanation on the other.
3. Carry your cards with you. This increases the chance that you'll use them.
4. Break larger groups of cards into small groups. Learn one group of cards, then move to the next. Keep reviewing the groups you've already learned.
5. Use the cards you don't know more often.
6. Shuffle the cards to always review them in a different order.
7. Review your cards often. The cards won't improve your memory, but reviewing them often will.
8. Encourage your friends to make some and swap sets. They may have different information or ways of remembering that can help you.