The short answer here is that a hybrid method should be implemented to memorise defined terms for your exam. It is recommended as it leverages the strength of both approaches, leading to better memory retention and more efficient use of one’s studying time.
Why this method works?
There are several inherent reasons why the hybrid method is the most effective, as it combines the strengths of both approaches, with the primary benefit being the flexibility it provides. For instance, when you are outside, you can avoid the hassle of carrying bulky flashcards, which can easily get mixed up, and instead use the Quizlet app to revise at your fingertips, perfect for on-the-go revision (e.g., commuting). However, when you are at home and need a deep-focus studying session, paper flashcards are suitable for distraction-free learning.
From a scientific perspective, multiple studies have shown the benefits of combining both paper and digital methods to boost memory and learning. Naka & Naoi (1995) have reinforced the concept that when words are written by hand, information is better remembered because it is actively created by our own hands, leading to improved memory recall as it enhances semantic encoding. Likewise, Roediger & Karpicke (2006) have revealed that rather than constantly re-reading the same materials repetitively, using different modes of testing the same content significantly enhances memory, as the brain is conditioned to understand, search and produce answers, not merely recognise them. Therefore, Quizlet’s innovative features can test you through various gamified ways, making it more enjoyable rather than a passive review.
How to integrate this method?
Before creating flashcards, we will need to review the content that can be tested on the exam. The contents of the material can include class slides, reading materials, and past paper questions to gauge what kinds of terms may appear on the exam. A tip here is that if the terms or words can be grouped into categories, then you should organise the words according to each category. Afterwards, start by writing the words onto each flashcard, which is typically the size of an A6 paper. The term should be written in the colour ‘red’ on one side, and the definition or the meaning should be written in ‘blue’ on the other side. The reason for the use of different colours stems from UBC’s research on colour psychology, where the study indicated that utilising dual colour strengthens memory, especially with red and blue, as red triggers alertness, which is good to memorise terms and blue is key for connecting ideas and understanding meaning, functional for understanding definition and not merely just memorising. Once this is completed, transfer the handwritten flashcards onto Quizlet for each of the different topics or categories. Now, with flashcards available both physically and digitally, utilise Quizlet’s ‘Smart Features,’ which offer around five different modes to revise definitions and maximise recall efficiently. A few days after daily revision, check your Quizlet statistics to identify which terms you are consistently getting wrong or struggling to remember. Take those words and definitions and write them on a separate piece of paper for added memory reinforcement. Continue these steps until the exam day, and you should be fine!
When to be cautious using the Hybrid method ⚠️
Although the hybrid approach is beneficial, depending on different scenarios, it may at times be a time-consuming and ineffective way of memorising definitions for some individuals. For instance, if you are already a strong digital learner or a pen-and-paper learner, it is recommended that you stick to one or the other, as individuals retain information in different ways. Some people naturally remember more information when typing on Quizlet, while others memorise better when writing it down on a physical flashcard. Another point to raise here is that if your exam is close by and it requires you to do last-minute cramming, Quizlet will be the go-to option as it has become quite popular in recent years; there are many pre-made Quizlets across different subjects and disciplines made by other people who provides public access, which saves time and also provides rapid-fire revision through Quizlet’s variety of study modes (e.g. flashcards and matching games), allowing students to engage in different ways. Lastly, suppose you encounter a course which requires you to memorise many terms from labelled diagrams, such as Biology and Geography. In that case, it is highly recommended only to use Quizlet as it can generate image-based diagrams covering parts of the diagram, and through repetition and active definition recalling, it helps in a more swift memorisation process compared to diagrams made by paper as students are more inclined to peak into the answers even if the answer is covered.
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