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New research highlighted in an article by Erik Ofgang for Tech & Learning underscores the advantages of student-generated flashcards over premade sets for enhancing learning outcomes. The study, led by Steven C. Pan and published in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, found that undergraduate participants who created their own flashcards exhibited notably better performance on tests — in some instances, their scores were about 10% higher, equating to roughly a letter grade improvement. In a particular experiment, this self-creation method led to a 25% better performance compared to those who studied using premade flashcards.
The effectiveness of creating one's own flashcards is attributed to engaging in generative learning activities, which involve curating, organizing, or elaborating on the material to be learned. This process facilitates additional cognitive processing of information, thereby enhancing learning. In contrast, students using premade flashcards tend to adopt a more passive learning approach, missing out on the benefits of generative learning.
Pan, director of the Learning Sciences Laboratory at the National University of Singapore, argues that relying on premade flashcards deprives students of valuable learning opportunities. Despite the convenience of digital tools and AI-generated flashcards, which promise more study time by reducing flashcard creation time, this research suggests that such an approach might be counterproductive. Pan recommends that students should instead focus on generating their own flashcards, even when using digital platforms like Quizlet, to ensure effective learning.
Moreover, the quality of premade digital flashcards can be inconsistent, with some containing inaccuracies or misinformation. Creating flashcards allows for better quality control. While the paper versus digital flashcard debate continues, the critical factor for learning efficacy remains whether students generate the flashcard content themselves.
For educators, Pan’s findings emphasize the importance of encouraging students to create their own flashcards and to paraphrase information rather than copying it verbatim from textbooks. This method not only promotes a deeper understanding of the material but also facilitates active learning and retention. Teachers can leverage these insights to guide students in employing more effective study techniques that capitalize on the cognitive benefits of self-generated learning tools.
Source: Ofgang, E. (n.d.). Tech & Learning. Original Article URL
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Prepared with the assistance of AI software
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
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