How to Make Your Own Study Cards

by Aksana Nikolai

Overview

A type of visual aid, flash cards contain a question on one side and the answer to that question on the other. Flash cards are particularly useful for students who are visual learners. Commercial flash cards may not cover the particular material your class is studying or address areas that you want your students to pay particular attention to. You can make your own flash cards for your class, tailoring them to your students' particular needs.

Step 1

Prepare a list of questions and corresponding answers that you want to put onto the flash cards. Questions can consist of phrases such as, "Who was the first president of the United States?" The answer, which will go on the other side of that card, would be "George Washington." Questions can also consist of images based on a word or concept that students must recall. An example of this type of card would be one containing a picture of a rainbow. The answer on the other side of this card would be the word "Rainbow."
Step 2

Gather enough index cards so that each concept has its own card. Avoid putting more than one concept per card or overloading a card with text, which can make recalling information more difficult. If you do not have index cards or do not wish to use them, cut your own out of card stock or other heavy paper. The latter approach may be the better choice if you wish to use flash cards of dimensions greater than those of standard index card size.
Step 3

Write or draw a question on one side of an index card. On the other side, put the corresponding answer. If you do not wish to handwrite or draw the questions and corresponding answer, type them on the computer or find digital images online. After printing these elements out, glue them onto the cards.
Step 4

Repeat Step 3 with the remaining questions and answers on your list.

1
Paper and writing utensils or word processing computer program Index cards or card stock and scissors Glue Laminating device (optional)
Paper and writing utensils or word processing computer program
Index cards or card stock and scissors
Glue
Laminating device (optional)
Many websites allows users to enter the information for flash cards into an online form and instantly produce printable cards based on the information (see Resources). Laminate your flash cards to prevent tearing, creasing and other damage. Your cards will lost longer, allowing you to reuse them.
Many websites allows users to enter the information for flash cards into an online form and instantly produce printable cards based on the information (see Resources).
Laminate your flash cards to prevent tearing, creasing and other damage. Your cards will lost longer, allowing you to reuse them.

Overview