How to learn without cramming everything: card method
Productivity Forming / / December 19, 2019
Dull cramming will not work. Even when you have to learn a lot of new information. Master the technique of flash cards, and then the exam will not have to open the textbook with the feeling that everything is forgotten.
What is a flash card
Flash cards - this is a way to memorize information. Familiar to many from the school system, which is most often used to store words in a foreign language or date in history.
Card - this is a common piece of paper, cardboard or the picture in electronic form with the two working parties. One - word definition of the term or a phenomenon. On the other - an explanation to it, transfer or short point.
Cards, especially if you use them on a regular basis, to help securely pack information into long-term memory.
Why it works
When we read the synopsis or listen to a lecture, we passively consume information: some of the knowledge is deposited in the memory, and some flies from the head. that better to remember information, and most importantly, time to get them out "memory palaces", you need to connect an active memorization as in answering the question.
When we are going to answer and generate it, the brain works harder. So everything that we talked and presented, is remembered better than what we have just seen and heard.
This principle is the basis of learning by means of cards. We see the issue - one side of the card with an unfamiliar word or definition. After that, we try to find the answer on their own and, if not handled, open the opposite direction and check yourself. In fact, each viewing of the cards - this is a small personal examination, test of knowledge. During this test the information absorbed betterhe Critical Importance of Retrieval for LearningThan by simply reading.
Another argument in favor of the cards: they are easy to repeat material. No need to carry with them books and notes, do not have to turn the pages for hours. The technique helps to streamline the information and refresh her memory in small portions at a convenient time.
Assimilation of knowledge contributes to even the preparation of cards, especially if they do not in electronic form, and hand - so it is easier to rememberWhy Using Pen And Paper, Not Laptops, Boosts Memory: Writing Notes Helps Recall Concepts, Ability To Understand.
How to make a good card
There are three options:
- By hand, when everything is written and pasted independently.
- With the help of the usual text and image editors such as MS Word or Power Point - then the card will only print.
- With services and applications (of which will be discussed below).
Not all cards learning equally useful. Plain white piece of paper with a uniform black letters on both sides depressing and poorly stored. Therefore, create cards according to the rules.
Take short card
One phenomenon - one element. It can be one word or definition from the dictionary. Making a card with a list of words-exceptions is inefficient: it's like to look at the same list in the summary. Better to do separately for each word and combine them into a series of "Exceptions". And do not try to fit on a single piece of paper in a textbook chapter - choose the basic ideas.
Write clearly
Part of the brain "stumbles" and can not remember the information, because it is too difficult lodged: with abstruse words or brain twisting turns of phrase. The card they should not - pass only the essence of the phenomenon. And if in the definition or description can not do without the compound word, make a separate card for him.
Use color and highlight
For example, underline key words in the definitions. Or mark the different colors of the speech of words, if it is necessary. Try to make the card visible and interesting.
Add context to the definitions
Remember the material is not enough - we must also be able to apply it correctly, that is deposited in the memory. To learn not just cram information and use it to add attributive side of the card context. For example, a sentence in which the word is found in the foreign languageOr a topic in which you want to define. Just do not overdo it. Remember that the card must first be simple. If the context is all the complexity - throw it away.
use images
Just words are stored worse than those next to which stands the image. Add each card drawings by the method of association. It is easier to do in special programs. But if you paste a picture with his own hands, or draw a diagram, it is much better to remember the material.
How to work with the cards
When the first block of cards ready, it's time to start working with them, that is, the constant repetition.
Repeat before bedtime
Sleep is important to remember: it is in the slow phase of sleep all that we have learned during the day, is builtAbout sleep's role in memory in long-term memory. Therefore, if you engage in repetition before going to bed, the chances of success higher.
Blurts out answers aloud
So you better remember information because zadeystvuete auditory memory. And to learn foreign words is at all necessary, otherwise you'll be well-read in a foreign language, but never learn talk.
Make a schedule of repetition
In order not to repeat over and over again what you have already learned, and to concentrate on the cards, which are difficult to remember, use repetition system for Leytman method. To do this, all the elements are divided into three groups (much as possible):
- Those who know the student bad.
- Those who know the student satisfactorily.
- Those who know the student well.
Each group needs its own box of cards. Box number 1 (in her unfamiliar cards) need to watch every day, the box number 2 - twice a week, the box number 3 - once a week.
Cards will gradually move between boxes. We learned something - shifted into the box number 3. Forgotten - was returned to the box number 2.
The more often use the card, the better the data is stored. The most difficult thing in the method - force yourself to fill your card file.
The good news is not necessarily all print and cut - suitable and electronic version. There are special programs that are more and help plan activities and monitor progress.
What services to work with flash-cards there
Quizlet
Platform: web, iOS, Android
cost: $ 19.99 per year, there is free access to a minimum of functions.
Nice looking service in Russian, in which you can create your own training modules and share them with other students. To issue cards using images only in the paid version.
Where to get →
Price: Free
Price: Free
The Mnemosyne Project
platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Android
cost: is free.
Free program for creating cards with a small library of ready-made options. Suitable for those who have decided to take up the training seriously: available for group divisions and even counting statistics. We'll have to dig in and get used to the management of obsolete design, but it's worth it.
Where to get →
Price: Free
Anki
One of the most famous designers of cards with great potential. The program of the first, dedicated to this subject, and it looks, respectively. But it can be added to the elements of sound and video, and it sends reminders to different devices.
platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Android
cost: is free.
Where to get →
Price: 1890 rubles
Price: Free
Opencards
Service in which the algorithm is based on the construction information of forgetting curveforgetting curve. The cards it creates as well as slides in Power Point, so that it is easy to master.
platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Android
cost: is free.
Where to get →
Supermemo
The service, which supports mobile devices. Creates simple cards with images and audio files. In the paid version are available ready-made courses foreign language learning.
platforms: Web, Windows, iOS, Android
cost: the free version to create their courses, premium subscription for 9.90 euros per month for the use of all finished courses, a subscription to one course - 19.00 euros.
Where to get →
Price: Free
Price: Free
Do you use a card method? Whether the results are pretty? Share in the comments.
see also🧐
- How to add words from Lingualeo in Anki and create beautiful flash cards
- How to store new information in 40 seconds
- Exam Preparation: how to easily remember longer