flashcard

Flashcards are pairs of related information, typically presented as a prompt on one side and the corresponding answer on the other, used to support active recall and long-term retention. They are employed in education and training to test knowledge, relearn material, or drill skills. Flashcards can be physical index cards or digital cards within software or apps, which may include features such as spaced repetition, progress tracking, multimedia, and tagging.

The modern use of flashcards grew from traditional mnemonic techniques and formal education practices in the 19th and 20th centuries. A simple structured approach, the Leitner system, introduced by Sebastian Leitner in 1972, popularized the idea of spacing repetitions according to how well a card is mastered. The development of computer-based flashcards accelerated with the introduction of advanced spaced repetition algorithms, such as SM-2 in the SuperMemo program by Piotr Wozniak in the 1990s. Open-source and commercial digital platforms, including Anki (launched 2006), adopted and adapted these techniques for broad learning communities.

Users leverage flashcards for language vocabulary, medical and legal study, exam preparation, and skill practice. Physical cards are inexpensive and portable; digital cards can automate scheduling, allow multimedia, and synchronize across devices.

Effectiveness depends on deliberate retrieval and appropriate spacing, not merely exposure. Best practices include clear prompts, concise answers, avoiding double-sided ambiguity, regular review sessions, and matching cards to the learner’s current knowledge level.

See also spaced repetition, retrieval practice.