![]() I’ve seen some cleverly designed cards which even turn the character shape into a similar picture, to aid in mnemonic recognition. These are useful for specific objects like animals, fruit, household objects, etc, for a learner to make a connection between the characters and the object. I’d group Chinese flash cards into four main types: 1. We have quite an eclectic mix of flash cards, from the school-issued MOE flashcards to DIY self-printed cards, and even digital flash cards collections. Types of flash cards for learning Chinese Note, I didn’t say to rote memorise characters, this isn’t what I’m advocating. Mastering Chinese literacy requires (essentially) memorising characters, and this is a critical element to becoming a successful reader. That explains why Chinese flash cards are part of the book lists in Singapore schools for Primary 1 and Primary 2 students. Since Chinese characters in general don’t follow ‘phonetic’ rules, flashcards can effectively be used for a much longer period (eg throughout primary school) than flash cards would typically used for an English learner (eg confined only to preschoolers). Often my kids will play their own games with flash cards, if I leave a pile out as an invitation to play. This means a child can become self-sufficient and study independently. One of the greatest things I like about flash cards is that a child (or groups of children) can also use them for play, or for self-practice, without the need for adult support in many instances – provided the flash cards are well designed. The concept of ‘spaced repetition’ is not unique to flash cards, as it is also how many of the well-known Chinese graded readers, like the Montessori-inspired Sage 500 Chinese Books, are designed. Flash cards, if used consistently also aid in ‘spaced repetition’ which is a concept whereby spacing out the internals between studying certain information can help the brain to recall that information. It allows fast access to words, which can be recalled, and this then reinforces the neural connection in the brain.Ī very targetted set of words can be used with the cards, and easily repeated until the muscle memory sets in. In general, flash cards work because they can allow a learner to interact with new information in a way that is very tangible, and easier to retain than other methods. This post gives some ideas on things that have worked for us and other families. But finding good flash cards seems more elusive. For learning Chinese, flash cards actually work equally well. And, as long as you make sure to review the information every once in a while, you never need to worry about forgetting it! The theory of spaced repetition is just another reason why training with flashcards is the smart and easy way to learn.Confused about whether your family need Chinese flash cards? Flash cards are an age-old, scientifically proven method to aid in memory recall and can be used for a variety of purposes – most commonly either for acquiring new vocabulary or learning to read in English. If you learn all of the information on a set of flashcards, and then go back over it a few days later, you will be amazed at how much you remember. It is easy to see how this theory of spaced repetition applies to flashcards. In some cases, information will be so well consolidated after two or three reviews that it can be recalled years later! It can then be reviewed 2 to 25 days later, and subsequently over an even longer period. The basic structure of spaced repetition is as follows: material is actively learned, and then reviewed between one and ten days later. As scientists have learned more and more about how the human memory works, spaced repetition has become an increasingly popular way of assimilating new information. Much of this research focuses on what is called "spaced repetition," in which information is reviewed over gradually expanding intervals. Indeed, there is research to suggest that flashcards are the best tool for memorization. Simple paper cards, with a question on one side and an answer on the other, remain a great way to learn new information. In an era of computerized study aids and multi-media education, one low-tech tool remains as important as ever: the flashcard. Mometrix Test Preparation - 3827 Phelan #179 - Beaumont, TX 77707 ![]()
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