For example, if you are studying history you might write, “US” instead of “United States. ” A shortened sentence might look like, “CC-America-1492,” the longer version being “Christopher Columbus arrived in America in 1492. ”[2] X Research source
If you are making notecards for a multiple classes, use different colored cards or keep them in rubber banded stacks. [4] X Research source
For example, if you are taking a biology class you might create a rough sketch of a cell and label the parts. You can then put the “key” on the back of the card. Flipping the card back and forth will allow you to learn the material. A student practicing a foreign language might draw a picture of an object, such as a flower, on one side of the card with the translation on other side. You can also make image notecards by photocopying an image from the textbook or slide notes and then cutting it down to notecard size. If you do this many times you will create a slideshow to match your text notes. [5] X Research source
Have a plan when you start to use color on your cards, otherwise your cards could get cluttered and more difficult to study from.
A history student might put the question, “Who sailed the ocean blue?” on one side of a card with the answer, “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492,” on the other side. Rhyming is a mnemonic device that helps with knowledge retention.
Shuffling is not possible with this method so make sure to mix up the order in which you study the question/answer pairs.
Brainscape is an app that customizes your studying by displaying future cards based upon your past performance during card quizzes. [9] X Research source StudyBlue is an interesting app in that it allows you to trade cards on certain subjects with students from around the globe. This is a good way to study if you want one concept explained from a variety of perspectives. [10] X Research source
For example, if you are studying history facts it may be helpful to create quiz questions or ID term notecards. If you are learning a foreign language your notecards will likely focus on vocabulary practice or sentence structuring.
If you notice that you are putting a great deal of information on the back of one card, it may be time to split that particular subject into multiple cards. This system is also used quite frequently for quick memorization of specific terms. You put the term on one side and the definition or alternate translation on the other.
To keep everything clear, once you’ve established the order of the cards write a brief note at the top of each regarding its final location. For example, all introduction cards might have “Intro” in the upper corner. Keep a set of notecards with your source information listed as well. One source per card. Include the title, author, publisher, publication date, etc. This information will be used to create your bibliography and references.
Depending on your end goal, you could also include a few points of criticism as well. For example, “Crit. for being unreliable in sourcing. ” As you take notes over sources, make sure to include quotations when pulling directly from the text. Otherwise, you could accidentally plagiarize if you use these materials when writing later.
Use your cards to create a realistic practice test. Randomly select the same number of cards that will appear on the test. Give yourself the correct amount of time to finish answering. It is also helpful to write out your answers if that is what you’ll have to do on the actual test. When you are finished, flip the cards over and check your answers. [14] X Research source You might also approach your professor or teacher after you’ve created the cards and ask them to look them over. Not all instructors will do this, but if they do it could help you a great deal. [15] X Research source
It might be helpful to turn on a timer as you start each session. This will ensure that you take your breaks.
Get creative and use clips to hang your notecards around the room. This allows you to study while cleaning up. Or, punch a hole in the corner of your card set and put them on a key ring for easy carrying. [18] X Research source
