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This week my online teacher sent out an announcement about our midterm. Now, this online class is basically an eight-week emergency class for me; so when she said we would have a study guide, I was thrilled. Then I received a follow-up email two days later saying that we wouldn't have a study guide and that we would need to just study the online notes. This is the worst thing ever. In college you do not often get study guides, but in online courses they are basically the key. Without a study guide, I have to make flash cards.

I have a love/hate relationship with flash cards because they are super helpful for memorizing but I don't ever feel like I really learn anything. So today, let's have a chat about how you can learn using flash cards. 

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First, you have to choose how you plan to make them. Some people like to flip the cards and others like them on their phone. Chegg has a great flash cards app that will totally save your life if you enjoy studying on your phone; it is also super handy because then you have your flashcards with you all the time. And it's free! However, if you prefer traditional cards then you should start by picking up a few packs for about fifty cents at Dollar General. 

 

Then gather your notes, some highlighters, pens and make a game plan. It's a great idea to color your cards based on your notes. Say you are studying another language and each word is either masculine or feminine. Write the word in your native language in the color that you want to match to masculine or feminine (ie family / la familia). Colors are a must with flashcards because your brain will piece the colors together with the information and it will be easier for you to remember.   

 

After you make your cards, then you have to actually study them. You can't just make them and forget it. Here are some tips for helping you study these better:

• Write the key word on the side without lines. It'll be easier for you to picture.
• Read your cards aloud. Literately read all of it aloud; even the stuff you already know.
• Be in a place with little to no noise. Music may be great in the background, but you have to take in a lot of information from these cards and you don't want to hinder yourself.
•  Do not write in cursive. It's easier for your brain to capture what you write when you write in normal handwriting.
• Read over them twice a day, if you can. 

I hope these help you if you are planning to use flash cards when you prepare for finals. There are fast approaching, folks. It's time to get down to business.

catch you later,
Karleigh

“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.” // John Locke