Let's Talk Flashcards!

It's day 225 of documenting 2025.

Today, I decided to download a flashcard app.
I've heard of flashcards before....as well as the act of recall, and I'm currently studying a bit about the brain.
I just want to actually know about this nuggin on my shoulders....as well as how it influences our actions.

Remembering all about it can be a bit difficult, because I'm prone to forgetting things easily.
Downloading the app is definitely a good move, as I'll be able to tap into my long term memory.

Someone I watch a lot on YouTube, Myron Golden, said something in one of his videos that stood out.
He said, "you don't have a bad memory...you just have a bad system of recall".
So, that may be true for me...and I'm willing to give my memory a chance.

I got particularly curious about how effective flashcards can be....and I had a little chat with ChatGPT.
I'll share the chat after today's highlights.

365 Days With Self-discipline
📌 On Following Someone Else’s Plan

Ester asked why people are sad.
“That’s simple,” says the old man. “They are the prisoners of their personal history. Everyone believes that the main aim in life is to follow a plan.
They never ask if that plan is theirs or if it was created by another person. They accumulate experiences, memories, things, other people’s ideas, and it is more than they can possibly cope with. And that is why they forget their dreams.”
Quote by Paulo Coelho

I like to say that self-discipline can change a lot in your life, but it won’t change much if you’re following someone else’s dreams.

If no matter what you’re doing, you’re finding it immensely difficult to pursue your goals, ask yourself if they’re really your own goals.

Are you studying because you want to study? Are you a lawyer because it was your own choice?
Do you want to make money to buy a house in the suburbs because it’s your idea of a perfect life or is it what society expects you to desire?

Don’t forget your dreams. Discard any goal or idea that was forced upon you by somebody else that isn’t aligned with your values and personality. Get to work on your own plans and then follow them instead.

It's pretty simple.
Work on your own dreams.
But for some people, it's not so easy.
I know some students of mine that say they want to study medicine because their parents want them to...and they end up in the science class.

Truth is, I was like that in high school.
My mum (bless her soul 🕊️) wanted me to be a paediatrician...and at some point, I wanted it too.
I ended up in the science class. Even then, I was interested in Psychology...but I didn't see the interest as anything.

Then, my mum passed away.
I took her place and stayed home for 4 years to take care of my siblings.
Those years redirected me and helped me discover my current passions.

My point is, some people are tied down to the desires of others because of one factor or the other.
And most times, they don't find true happiness and fulfillment until they choose to follow their dreams.

Okay, I digressed back there 😆
Let me share the chat I mentioned earlier...on flashcards.
It went like this:

Me: Let's talk flashcards
What's the psychology behind them?

ChatGPT: Flashcards work so well because they tap into a few core psychological principles: 

1. Active Recall – When you try to remember something from a cue (like the front of a flashcard), you're strengthening the memory pathway. It's like training a muscle.

2. Spaced Repetition – Reviewing flashcards at spaced intervals helps move information from short-term to long-term memory. The more you recall it just before forgetting, the stronger it sticks.

3. Metacognition – Flashcards give instant feedback. When you flip the card, you know if you got it right or not. That awareness sharpens how you learn.

4. Confidence Building – The more often you're right, the more confident you become in the material; reducing anxiety, especially for tests.

In short, flashcards make your brain work 'with' you, not against you.

Me: So, to be able to amass a large amount of knowledge and make it stick...flashcards are effective?

ChatGPT: Absolutely. 
Flashcards help break down large chunks of information into small, recallable bits; making it easier to absorb and retain knowledge over time. 

Used consistently with spaced repetition, they’re one of the most efficient tools for deep, lasting learning.

Me: Hmm 🤔
How effective are they, when compared to other methods of retaining information?

ChatGPT: Flashcards, especially when paired with spaced repetition; are among the most effective study methods. 

Compared to rereading or highlighting, they engage active recall, which strengthens memory far more. And they help identify weak points, making your study time more focused and efficient.

Me: How can a beginner use flashcards effectively?
Especially if they haven't used it before...

ChatGPT: Start simple.
Pick a topic, break it into small bits, and create flashcards with clear questions on one side and concise answers on the other. 

Study in short sessions and review cards regularly using spaced repetition; review harder ones more often. 
Apps like Anki or Quizlet make this easy and keep things organized.

Me: Questions and answers? 🤨
Why do you say questions on one side and answer on the other?

ChatGPT: Because turning information into a question forces your brain to recall the answer, not just recognize it.

That act of retrieval strengthens memory more than passive review. It’s the core of what makes flashcards work so well.

Me: Oh! I get it now!
Not just "term" and "definition"

ChatGPT: Exactly!
"Term and definition" is okay, but a well-phrased question makes your brain work harder; like asking, "What part of the brain is responsible for memory?" instead of just writing "Hippocampus."
That extra effort deepens the learning.

Me: I see 🤔
So, how does one break down information in a way that makes the flashcards effective? Could you give me an example using parts of the brain?

ChatGPT: Sure!
To make flashcards effective, break complex info into small, focused questions. Each card should test one idea clearly.

Here’s an example using parts of the brain:

*Card 1 
Q: What part of the brain is responsible for forming new memories? 
A: The hippocampus.

* Card 2 
Q: Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination? 
A: The cerebellum.

*Card 3
Q: What does the amygdala help regulate? 
A: Emotions, especially fear and aggression.

*Card 4 
Q: Which brain lobe processes visual information? 
A: The occipital lobe.

See how each one is bite-sized and to the point? That makes recall easier and learning more efficient.

Me: What are other methods of using flashcards?

ChatGPT: Great question!
Here are some effective methods of using flashcards beyond the basic Q&A:

1. Spaced Repetition
Use an app like Anki or physical boxes (Leitner system) to review harder cards more often and easier ones less. This improves long-term retention.

2. Active Recall 
Always try to remember the answer before flipping the card. This strengthens memory more than passive reading.

3. Visual Flashcards
Add diagrams, symbols, or images, especially for subjects like anatomy, geography, or design.

4. Scenario-Based Cards 
Instead of simple Q&A, use real-life situations: 
“If a person has trouble speaking but understands language, which brain area is likely damaged? Broca’s area."

5. Reverse Flashcards 
Put the answer or result on the front and ask, “What causes this?” or “How do we get here?”

6. Mnemonic Prompts 
Add memory tricks or acronyms on the back to help you recall complex facts.

7. Progressive Reveal
Use layered cards that give clues one at a time before revealing the answer.

Each method taps into how the brain encodes, strengthens, and retrieves information; making flashcards more powerful than just memorizing definitions.

Me: Alright, noted 😌
Could you give a summary of what we discussed on flashcards?

ChatGPT: Of course, Duon 😌 
Here’s a quick summary of our flashcard discussion:

1. Psychology Behind Flashcards
Flashcards use active recall (pulling info from memory) and spaced repetition (reviewing over time), both of which improve long-term retention.

2. Why They're Effective
– They break info into bite-sized pieces. 
– They target memory through repeated exposure. 
– They outperform passive study methods like rereading or highlighting.

3. Best Way to Use Them as a Beginner
– Use Q&A format: a clear question on one side, answer on the other. 
– Focus on understanding, not just memorization. 
– Review consistently using a spaced system.

4. Ways to Break Down Information (e.g., Brain Parts)
– Turn details into direct questions: 
“Which part of the brain controls speech?”  Broca’s area
“What does the cerebellum regulate?” Coordination & balance

5. Other Flashcard Methods
– Spaced repetition (apps like Anki) 
– Visuals & diagrams
– Real-life scenarios
– Reverse cards (Answer/Question) 
– Mnemonics and clues 
– Progressive reveals

Flashcards aren’t just about memory; they’re about training your brain to think and recall under pressure. Done right, they’re a secret weapon for deep learning.

Yo heard?
Flashcards are a secret weapon!
I'm glad I discovered this early...as I'm going to be admitted into the university soon.
And I'll learn how to use them before the time comes (exam 🙄)

Well, my friend, this is where I'll be ending today's post.
Thank you for reading 🎀
Don't forget to check out my new collection of soul-speak poetry, Lanterns For The Lost.  It's free on my store.

I'm Duon Ada.
I'm documenting 2025,
And I'll see you tomorrow.
Ciao 💕