Hello there, STEM students and faculty! Dr D here at STEM With Doctor D. I’m here to talk to you about my thoughts for the day. Are you struggling to memorize all the complex terms and concepts in your difficult courses like anatomy and physiology? Well, fear not, because today we’re going to talk about a tool that can make a huge difference in your studying: flashcards.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think “flashcards are for elementary schoolers,” hear me out. Flashcards are a powerful and versatile study aid that can help you with everything from memorizing vocabulary to understanding complex processes.
Let’s start with the basics. When you’re studying anatomy and physiology, you’re going to encounter a lot of new terminology. Terms like “adipose tissue” and “glycogenesis” can be intimidating at first, but with the help of flashcards, you can break them down into manageable pieces. Write the term on one side of the card and the definition on the other, and voila! You now have a handy study tool that you can take with you anywhere.
But flashcards aren’t just for vocabulary. They’re also great for understanding processes and pathways. Take the cardiac cycle, for example. It’s a complex series of events that can be difficult to remember in order. But with flashcards, you can break it down step by step and quiz yourself until you have it down pat.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Flashcards are boring. They’re just rote memorization.” And yes, they can be if you don’t use them creatively. That’s why I’m going to share with you three situations that either myself or my friends and colleagues have experienced. They illustrate just how creative you can get with flashcards.
First up, we have a student who was studying for a biochemistry exam. She had to memorize all the amino acids and their structures, which seemed like an impossible task. But instead of just writing out the structures on flashcards, she decided to draw them as cute little characters, complete with arms and legs. The result? She aced the exam and even got extra credit for creativity.
Next, we have a student who was struggling to remember the steps of the Krebs cycle. So she made a set of flashcards with each step written on one side and a silly mnemonic on the other. For example, “Citrate Is Kreb’s Starting Substrate, Seriously!” Not only did she remember the steps, but she also got a good laugh out of it.
And finally, we have a student who was studying for an anatomy exam and had to memorize all the bones in the human body. Instead of just writing out the names on flashcards, he decided to make a giant skeleton out of each flashcard and label each bone. Not only did he have a blast making it, but he also aced the exam.
Now, let’s talk about the reasoning behind why flashcards work. When you’re trying to memorize something, repetition is key. By repeatedly reviewing the information on your flashcards, you’re reinforcing it in your brain and making it easier to recall later. Plus, because flashcards are portable and can be used anywhere, you can squeeze in a quick study session even when you’re on the go.
But flashcards aren’t just helpful for students. As a professor, I’ve seen firsthand how flashcards can be an invaluable teaching tool. In fact, I encourage my students to create their own flashcards as a way to review the material and reinforce what they’ve learned in class.
Here are three delicious jokes to help you throughout your day:
Did you hear about the guy who lost his left arm and left leg in an accident? Don’t worry, he’s all right now.
Why did the skeleton go to the party alone? He had no body to go with him.
What did the big flower say to the little flower? Hey, bud!
I know they’re terrible but hopefully they made you chuckle a bit. They also illustrate a point that the more evocative something is, the higher the likelihood is that you will remember it. If you add humor to what you are studying, the better your recall will be. Unfortunately this is also true for sadness, trauma, death, dismemberment, poisoning, and pain. I prefer attaching information I need to recall to humor.
Now, back to the topic at hand. It’s clear that flashcards are an effective tool for studying in difficult STEM courses. By breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, and by forcing you to recall information repeatedly, they can help you retain information more effectively than simply reading and highlighting your notes. Plus, they’re portable and can be used anywhere, so you can squeeze in a few minutes of studying even when you’re on the go.
But not all flashcards are created equal. It’s important to create flashcards that are clear, concise, and focused on the most important information. Here are a few tips for creating effective flashcards:
- Keep it simple: Don’t overload your flashcards with too much information. Stick to the most important concepts, definitions, and formulas.
- Be consistent: Use the same format for all of your flashcards to make it easier to study and review them later.
- Use visuals: If appropriate, include diagrams, charts, or other visuals to help you remember key information.
- Mix it up: Don’t just focus on one type of question or format. Mix it up with multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions to keep your brain engaged.
By following these tips, you can create flashcards that will help you succeed in even the toughest STEM courses.
Whether you are a student or faculty member, flashcards are an invaluable tool for studying in difficult STEM courses. They help break down complex concepts into manageable pieces, reinforce learning through repetition, and can be used anywhere. By following the tips outlined here, you can create effective flashcards that will help you succeed in your studies.
And if you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at SWDRD for additional support. We’re here to help you achieve your academic goals!