Learning to use index cards or information cards is one of the most frequently used ways to master new information. Although it seems easy, understand that making information cards is not as simple as writing random information on a piece of card. In order for the information card to be really useful, make sure you really control the information that will be listed. If you wish, you can also take advantage of a dedicated app to create and share information cards. In addition, you must also apply good study habits so that you can understand the material listed on the card more optimally.
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Method 1 of 3: Making Your Own Note Cards
Step 1. Write a short sentence
Instead of writing complete sentences, try to summarize information into one short phrase or even an acronym. Review all of your information cards and make sure the information listed is only the most important ideas. Indeed, the process of selecting and sorting information is the beginning of your learning process.
If you're studying History, try writing "USA" instead of "United States of America." Or, you can also shorten the sentence "Christopher Columbus arrived in America in 1492" to "CC-America-1492"
Step 2. Write down the information using a pencil
Notes written in pencil can be easily changed whenever needed. In addition, pencil strokes will also not fade so you can see the information listed from the reverse side. If you choose to use a ballpoint pen, make sure the ink doesn't spill over.
Step 3. Include a description of the date or source of information
At the very top of each card, write the date or page number of the book from which your information is sourced, as well as the abbreviated name of the source. Do this so you can trace the information back to its original source! This method is actually useful if you want to sort the cards or include important quotes on the cards.
If you want to create information cards for several different subjects, make sure you use different colors for different subjects, or group the cards by subject
Step 4. Create a picture card
Who says information cards can only contain text? Actually, for those of you who have a visual learning type, juxtaposing information with pictures will really help your brain to remember better. Keep the pictures simple and recognizable: also name each picture if that makes it easier to learn.
- For example, if you're studying Biology, try making a rough sketch of cells and naming them. After that, write the answer key on the back of the card. To memorize material, you just have to flip through the cards until the material is completely memorized.
- If you're learning a foreign language, try drawing an object (like a flower) on one side of the card, then writing the translation on the other side.
- If you want, you can also photocopy the image from a book or presentation sheet, and then cut it to the size of a card. By doing so, you actually have created your own "presentation sheet" that can be matched with the contents of your notes.
Step 5. Add color
To make it easy to remember and not seem boring, try adding color to the information card. For example, you can write information using colored pencils or light markers. In addition, you can also underline important information with colored markers or associate certain topics with special colors to make them easier to distinguish.
Plan the colors to apply well so that your cards don't look cluttered and difficult to study
Step 6. Use word games
If you have a quick way to remember information, feel free to include it on the card. Any form of mnemonic technique to help you remember information is worth trying. However, make sure the information you include is simple and really important.
If you're studying History, try including the question, "Who sailed the blue seas?" on one side of the card, and put the answer that is, “Colombus sailed the blue sea in 1942,” on the other side of the card. Using rhyming sentences is the most common mnemonic technique used to help someone remember information
Step 7. Laminate the card
Go to the photocopy and lamination of your card. If you have your own lamination machine, you can also do it at home. Don't bother? Simply line your card with a small plastic bag that can be purchased at an office stationery store (ATK). The purpose of laminating a card is to protect it from damage, especially if you plan to use it for a long time and carry it around with you.
Step 8. Use paper
If you don't want to make an information card, try writing the information down on a plain white sheet of paper. First, draw a vertical line in the center of the page. After that, write down the questions on the left and the answers on the right. If you want to memorize information, you only need to cover one section by hand.
Unfortunately, information cards made of paper won't be able to be shuffled to randomize questions. Therefore, make sure you scramble the information manually before starting to learn
Step 9. Use the app to create an information card
In fact, there are many apps for creating information cards that you can download for free, such as Brainscape, iStuious, and StudyBlue. Generally, these applications have additional features that can only be accessed if you pay a certain additional fee. Before downloading an app, try to read the reviews carefully first.
- Brainscape is an application that will display your card in the future by referring to the results of your ability test in answering questions on the available quizzes.
- StudyBlue is a very interesting app because it allows you to exchange cards with other students from different parts of the world. In fact, studying information this way is great, especially if you want to understand the explanation of a concept from different perspectives.
Method 2 of 3: Using Information Cards in Various Learning Methods
Step 1. Determine the format of the information card
First of all, you need to first choose a certain approach to learning. The choice really depends on the subject to be studied and your personal preferences. Once you've chosen a format, it's a good idea to stick to it and don't change it too much (you can only change the information card format once).
If you need to learn historical facts, try making cards with quiz questions or glossary of terms. If you need to learn a foreign language, try creating information cards that focus more on vocabulary or sentence structure
Step 2. Create a card containing a specific topic
This method is probably the most frequently used. Write a topic on one side of the card, and list various information related to that topic on the opposite side. Sometimes cards with this format are referred to as “summary cards” or “concept cards”.
- If the information that needs to be included is too much, try dividing one topic into several cards.
- This method is also often used to memorize specific terms. You simply write the term on one side of the card, and include a definition or alternative translation on the other side of the card.
Step 3. Outline the essay using information cards
Information cards are also useful for writing essays, you know! Sort the cards by the order in which the key material or topic will appear in your essay. Make sure you change the order of the cards until they really make sense. Instead of rewriting most of your essay, doing this method is much more practical and simple! When you're writing an essay, all you have to do is move from card to card and make changes as needed.
- After determining the order of the cards, make sure you include a short label for the location of the information in the essay. For example, put the label "Introduction" at the top of all the cards that contain the information in chapter 1.
- Also make a group of cards containing information regarding the source of the essay. Make sure you allocate one card for one resource! Also include the title of the book, the author's name, the name of the publisher, the date of publication, etc. This information is very useful when you are compiling a reference list or bibliography.
Step 4. Create a card containing source-specific information
When writing an essay or taking an exam where material comes from a variety of sources, try making information cards to manage the material you have. Write the title of the book and the author's name on one side of the card, then include several statements regarding the author's argument, the evidence he provided, and the methodology he used on the other side.
- Although it really depends on your goals, you can actually include some statements to criticize the source. For example, you could write, "Criticism: The source is not trustworthy."
- When noting information about a source, make sure you also include citations copied directly from the text. If you don't, it is feared that you will include the quote raw in the essay and be considered plagiarism afterwards.
Step 5. Create a card containing a collection of practice questions
Put yourself in the perspective of the teacher or lecturer, and then try to ask: What kind of questions are you going to come up with on an exam? What topics need to be studied? What topics are least important? After that, try to compile a list of questions that are important for you to study and include them on information cards. Write a question on one side of the card, and include a short answer on the other side.
- Use information cards to create realistic set of practice questions. At random, choose a card with the same number of test questions, then allocate enough time to answer all the questions on the card. Also write down the answers as you did on the exam. When you're done, flip the card over and check your answers.
- After creating the card, you can also ask your lecturer or class teacher to check it. Although not all teachers are willing to do this, it can't hurt to give it a try.
Step 6. Learn as if you were playing
To make learning activities feel more interesting, try coloring them with a little competition. In fact, some apps allow you to enter information card competitions with your classmates. In fact, you are like creating a virtual study group, you know! You can even set your own competition times if you want. One app worth trying is Quizlet.
Method 3 of 3: Maximizing Learning Ability
Step 1. Don't study too long
Ideally, you only need to study for 20-30 minutes non-stop, then rest for 10 minutes before entering the next study session. Be careful, studying too long without a break can actually make you more confused and unfocused. Therefore, study briefly but regularly to help your brain remember information better.
Set an alarm to ensure you rest between each study session
Step 2. Create a study schedule and stick to it
The habit of procrastinating work will actually make it difficult for you to enter the exam period. Instead, break down the material you need to study into days or even weeks. Also observe the exam schedule and assignment collection schedule, then make careful planning ahead of time. Taking a few minutes to study or do assignments every day is actually much better than not touching the material at all.
Step 3. Always carry a card with you everywhere
In the lead-up to an exam, always study your cards whenever possible. Trust me, you only need to take a few minutes to read it in between your routines! If you're watching television, try reading your information card during a commercial. Understand that repeated exposure to information can make your brain remember better.
Get creative by hanging or pasting information cards around the bedroom. That way, you can still learn while cleaning the room, right? If you want, you can also punch a hole in one corner of the card and carry it around like a keychain to various places
Step 4. Change the order of the cards
Reading the same information over and over will of course feel boring. Therefore, shuffle the cards or reorder them in any way. Thus, the cards that appear will not be predictable, as will the questions that will appear in the exam.
Step 5. Set aside the cards you already know the answer to
After you've successfully memorized some of the information, try setting aside all the cards you've memorized. By doing so, you don't have to spend time figuring out well-remembered information. However, don't forget the memorized deck of cards! Every now and then, keep reading it to make sure your brain remembers it.
Step 6. Create study groups
Invite your classmates to study together using the information cards that you have created. Chances are, you and your friends can complement each other's information by doing so. If you wish, you can also teach some material to test your knowledge and understanding. After studying, try holding a simple quiz by asking each other the things listed on the card.
Tips
- Feeling less familiar with the material listed on the card? Do not be discouraged! Keep learning. Undoubtedly, your abilities will also increase over time.
- Choose a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free place to study.
- Reading material aloud can often help the brain remember information better.
- Use mnemonic techniques and other memory tricks when studying information cards. Do this to improve memory!
Warning
- After making an information card, it doesn't mean your task is over. Remember, there's no point in making information cards if you don't study them!
- Don't study until you're exhausted. Take care of yourself well.
