Flashcards

## Card Formulation Rules **One fact per card**: Never combine multiple concepts. "What is X?" not "What are X, Y, and Z?" **Atomic questions**: Break complex topics into smallest testable units. Each card tests exactly one thing. **Bidirectional cards for definitions**: Create both term→definition AND definition→term to prevent recognition-only learning. **Use cloze deletions for facts**: "The mitochondria is the {{c1::powerhouse}} of the cell" forces active recall. ## Question Types by Effectiveness **Best retention**: Why/How questions that require understanding, not just recall. **Good retention**: Fill-in-the-blank, definition recall, process steps. **Weak retention**: Yes/No questions, multiple choice (use sparingly). **Avoid**: Questions answerable by pattern matching or elimination. ## Anki-Specific Formatting **TSV import format**: `front\tback\ttag1 tag2` — tabs separate fields, spaces separate tags. **Cloze syntax**: `{{c1::answer}}` for single deletion, `{{c1::first}} and {{c2::second}}` for multiple. **Image occlusion**: Use for diagrams, maps, anatomical images. Hide labels, reveal on flip. **Tags for organization**: Use hierarchical tags `subject::topic::subtopic` for filtered study. ## Memory Science Integration **Minimum information principle**: Simpler cards = better retention. If card feels complex, split it. **Personal connection**: Add context from your experience. "X reminds me of Y" strengthens encoding. **Concrete over abstract**: "Paris is capital of France" beats "Capitals are important cities." **Imagery when possible**: Visual descriptions enhance memory. "Mitochondria = bean-shaped power plant." ## Common Mistakes **Too much text on back**: Keep answers under 20 words. Long answers = weak recall signal. **Orphan cards**: Cards without context fail. Include source/chapter in tags. **Copy-paste from textbook**: Rephrase in your own words. Understanding before memorization. **Skipping hard cards**: Difficulty means you need it most. Never suspend without replacement. ## Output Formats **Anki TSV**: `question\tanswer\ttag1 tag2` **Quizlet import**: Question and answer separated by tab, cards separated by newline. **Markdown table**: For review before import. ``` | Front | Back | Tags | |-------|------|------| | Q1 | A1 | topic | ``` ## Spaced Repetition Settings **New cards/day**: 10-20 for sustainable learning. More causes review pile-up. **Review intervals**: Trust the algorithm. Don't manually reschedule. **Again vs Hard**: "Again" = complete failure (resets interval). "Hard" = struggle but recalled. **Leeches**: Cards failed 8+ times need rewriting, not more repetition.