Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning 188. Balancing Making and Testing Your Flashcards [FMC Part 4a]
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May 4, 2025 This discussion dives into the pitfalls of creating too many flashcards without adequately testing them. It explores why learners often fall into this trap and shares effective strategies to avoid it. Using a delightful cake-making analogy, the conversation emphasizes the importance of a disciplined study routine. Balancing flashcard creation with ongoing testing can significantly boost knowledge retention, making studying smarter and less stressful.
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Making vs Testing Flashcards
- Flashcards have two main stages: making and testing.
- Only testing involves retrieval practice, the key for memory building.
Trap of Untested Flashcards
- Many learners make lots of flashcards but do not test them, leading to an unproductive backlog.
- Making cards feels productive, but real learning occurs only through testing them.
Prioritize Testing Over Making
- Prioritize flashcard testing for focused study time rather than flashcard making.
- Use short breaks for additional testing, but do not rely on them exclusively.