While learning a language, it’s important to use a few methods that are not only effective but also fun. Using flashcards is a well-known way to learn new words or even sentences. Here are some of the tips which can help you to improve your learning with flashcards.
Use a Language Learning App with a Flashcard Feature
At the moment, you can find various language learning apps that offer fun and engaging learning experiences. Some of them have the option to create flashcards. Thanks to them, you can make your learning even more interactive and effective. Check out a review of Memrise which was written by Mike Anderson from Lingomee.com to learn more about this feature.
Remember that flashcards give you an active learning experience instead of a passive one (for example, reading). Research shows that active learning can be much more effective, as it motivates your brain to memorize information.
Create a Good Flashcard set
Whether you are using a learning app, a ready set of flashcards, or you have made flashcards on your own, you should create a comprehensive set. Base it on different language aspects, including vocabulary, verb conjugation, grammar rules, or even sentence structures. Think about your level and learning objectives to create a set that will fit your needs best.
Add Images
Creating flashcards on your own might be a challenging task. However, if you want to purchase physical flashcards or use an app, adding images to the set is a great idea. According to research, visual aids can reinforce association, which in effect makes it easier to remember new words.
Try to Create Sentences
To communicate in any language effectively, you need to know how to connect the words together. Use your flashcards and try to create sentences. A good exercise is to say a sentence with a word that appears on the flashcard. You can additionally check grammar rules to make your learning even more effective. Learning a language while using whole sentences can make the memorizing and reinforcing process smoother, and prepare you for real world conversations.
Review Old Cards
Even when you feel like you remember everything, the key to success is doing revisions. As you gradually add new flashcards, don’t forget to revisit old ones. Thanks to spaced repetition, you make sure you still remember the words. Additionally, you can reinforce your knowledge and make the words you learnt go from your short-term to long-term memory.
Practice Regularly
As with every language learning method, using flashcards won’t work if you don’t practice regularly. Make sure that you reach for them everyday. Sometimes checking 10 flashcards everyday can bring much better results than long, hours-long sessions of studying from time to time.
Pay Attention to Pronunciation
When using flashcards, you can reach for an app or use the internet to verify how to pronounce a word properly. When you listen and then repeat a word, you will remember it better. Additionally, aside from learning a new word, you will improve your listening and speaking skills.