#spatial repetition

How I use Flashcards (and Spatial Repetition) for revision

Hey peeps! Today, I’m sharing my way of using flashcards. I’m by no means an expert, but maybe this can help some of you who are interested in them but struggle to understand them. (I found it hard to grasp at first too!)  

The reason I use flashcards is mostly the fact that they lend themselves very well to spatial repetition. In short, this is a technique that consists of reviewing material several times over increasing intervals. This technique can be really helpful, as it helps you remember material in the long-run. Especially when you have large amounts of materials, this technique can be a very productive way to revise. So how does it work?!

First of all, making the actual flashcards :

So, first, you need cards, obviously. You can cut these out of some printer paper or get them at some stationary stores like I did. They’re pretty cheap, and totally worth it since it saves a lot of time. 

Now, it’s time to put some questions and answers on your flashcards! This is quite straight-forward. My only tips: only put one question per flashcard, as it’s quite often hard to remember more than one answer at a time. Also be sure that you can use the cards both ways, question-answer ánd answer-question. (Don’t feel constrained to just use text, you can also draw things like graphs, which is especially good for subjects like biology or economics)

Spacial repetition :

So the most important thing to understand when it comes to spacial repetition the concept of boxes. Boxes are the way you’re going to organise your flashcards according to their relative priority. The boxes tell you how often you are revising the flashcards in them, for example :

Box 1:  every day

Box 2: Every other day

Box 3: Once a week

Box 4: Once every two weeks

(This is how I personally do it, it isn’t a rule. You can customise this in any way that fits your needs, for example, make box 3 two times a week etc)

Every flashcard you make starts in box 1. When reviewing the boxes, you move the flashcards you get right to the next box. However, if you get a question wrong, no matter in what box it was, it moves back to box 1. This way, the material you’re not yet confident with will be repeated. That way, all the material will be secure in your long-term memory and you won’t forget it again. (hopefully!)

Some practical things: 

I would suggest getting something to hold your boxes together, like a rubber band or a paper clip. Something to put all your flashcards in, like a plastic bag, is always handy. This makes your flashcards easier to take with you wherever you go! The last thing; put some blank cards in this bag so you’re always able to make new flashcards.