how to make and use flash cards effectively

1. benefits of using flash cards

flash cards are for kindergarten kids right? wrong! most college and high school students don't use flash cards because they feel that they no longer need them. before i show you the way to making and using flash cards effectively let me tell you the benefits of using flash cards because knowing why you are doing something is one of the corner stones of   success.

• the first and the most obvious benefit of using flash cards is that they save time. since flash cards contain only the gist, you will save the time and energy you could lose if your wanted to study the same concept in a huge book.you can study using flash cards even when you only have 3 minutes . 
• secondly flashcards help in testing your knowledge. self-testing is very important because it shows you where you stand on the knowledge scale. comparing what you can recite with whats on the hidden side of the flash card will let you know the gaps you have to fill.
•  the third benefit and most people don't know it, apart from learning the concept, using flash cards is like a gym for your memory. forcing your brain to absorb the ink on the paper enables it to strengthen your memory which makes it easier to memorize other things in future. 

2. how to make and flash cards

making flash cards isn't a problem to most students but making good flash cards is.flash cards should be engaging and palatable.these tips will help you to create better if not best flash cards.   

flash cards should engaging

don't copy class notes word for word. therefore you should write the concepts in your own language. don't copy or borrow your friends flash cards. 

flash cards must be short
you must to summarize the information where possible.you must also use short hand to achieve this purpose however your friend has to proofread the card in case you over dilute definitions of concepts. 

flash cards must be visual
include images and colors in your flash cards. these stimulate your brain to grasp the gist easily. in addition the making flash cards visual makes them look inviting and easy to distinguish between  topics.

3. how to use flash cards

read the information aloud
reading the information aloud enables you to memorize the information efficiently.

use them frequently
you should test your self frequently to memorize the information faster.

stay organised
using flash cards doesn't mean you should leave your dorm room messy. put flash cards in the right place always. let go of the cards you are done with( make sure you have really mastered the concept on the card before you throw it away.)