Active Recall With Flashcards

Flashcards are one of the oldest study tools, and they are still one of the best. A flashcard is a small card with a question on one side and the answer on the other. Its power comes from a simple fact: it forces you to remember. Scientists call this active recall, and many studies show that it is stronger than reading or listening again.

To make good flashcards, follow some rules. Put only one idea on each card. A card that says "go, goes, went, gone, going" is too heavy. Write the English word on one side and the Arabic meaning, or a small picture, on the other. Add a short example sentence, because words are easier to remember in context. Use your own handwriting or your own pictures when possible, because making the card is already a kind of learning.

Now the most important part: how to use them. Look at one side and try to answer before you turn the card. Say the answer aloud. Wait at least three seconds, even if you think you do not know, because the effort of searching helps your memory. Then turn the card and check. If you were right, put the card on the "easy" pile. If you were wrong, say the correct answer again two times and keep the card in the "hard" pile.

Also practise in both directions. First look at the Arabic and say the English. This is the difficult direction, and it prepares you to speak. Later, look at the English and say the Arabic.

Mix old cards with new cards so that you do not forget the old ones. Stop adding new cards when you have more than you can review. Ten new cards a day is a good number for a beginner.

On this website you can use the flashcards page every day for five minutes. Small and regular practice will give you a strong vocabulary.