Flashcards

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

Faculty of Humanities

School of English English 420

Formal Presentation - Preparation Outline

Speaker’s Name: Emily Cocheran

Topic: Flashcards

Specific Subject: Important aspects to consider when using Flashcards.

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the effective use of Flashcards and their importance in the EFL Classrooms.

Introduction

I. Attention getter: Can you think of a simple learning tool that can provide visual reinforcement of information for EFL learners? That’s right, you just think about Flashcards!

II. Thesis statement: Flashcards have become essential tools in education, that’s why we must consider certain aspects when we are going to use flashcards in our teaching lessons.

III. Preview on main points: With this presentation, we will explore the definitions, types, roles, advantages, disadvantages, guidelines, activities, and examples of flashcards in the EFL classroom.

(Transition: First of all, let’s take a moment to examine the definitions of Flashcards.)

Body

I. When it comes to our minds the word “Flashcard”, we immediately think in a small piece of paper that has information. However, the definition goes beyond that.

A. In Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a flashcard is explained as “a card bearing words, numbers, or pictures that is briefly displayed (as by a teacher to a class) usually as a learning aid.”

B. Conversely, according to the University of Southern Maine (n.d.), “Flashcards are small cards used for testing and improving memory through practiced information retrieval. Flashcards are typically two-sided, with the prompt on one side and the information about the prompt on the other. This may include names, vocabulary, concepts, or procedures.”

(Transition: Now, that we have the definition of Flashcards clear, let’s see the types of Flashcards.)

II. According to Boykhanov & Sadriddinova (2020), there are two types of flashcards: Physical and Digital Flashcards.

A. Physical Flashcards. Made of paper cards, which words and pictures are printed or drawn. There are set of published flashcards on the market, but they are also easy to make by yourself either as drawings, or cut out pictures from magazine (Haycraft, 1978).

a. DIY flashcards. They can be crafted from various materials such as simple index cards and other materials we can easily obtain from school supplies stores.

b. Commercial flashcards. Pre-made cards bought from stores or online retailers, which they are usually more expensive than those cards made by oneself.

B. Digital Flashcards. Electronic versions of traditional paper flashcards that are accessed and used on electronic devices. Many digital flashcard apps offer interactive features such as audio pronunciation, spaced repetition algorithms, and multimedia integration.

a. DIY flashcards. Just to mention some of the most popular apps of Digital flashcards, which can be accessed anytime and create our own set of Flashcards, we have Anki, Quizlet, Brainscape, Memrise, Studyblue.

b. Commercial flashcards. Flashcards obtained through online platforms or marketplaces, where the flashcards can be easily downloaded and printed, we have some web sites like British English Council and TEFLHandbook.

(Transition: We’ve have just learned about the types of Flashcards, let’s continue with the uses of Flashcards in Foreign Language Teaching.)

III. The Uses of Flashcards in Foreign Language Teaching.

A. You might be surprised to learn that flashcards exist since 19th century. Originally, Flashcards were used for educators to teach writing and reading (Knight, 2023).

B. With time, Flashcards have become an important essential learning tool for various subjects, including foreign languages (Knight, 2023). Why are they so popular in language teaching? Why would we use flashcards for teaching? The answers to these questions are explained in many studies related to the human brain.

a. According to Heguru Center (2023), the human brain is divided into two hemispheres – the left and right.

b. The left brain is responsible for reasoning, critical thinking, analysis, numbers, and language, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity, intuition, visualization, and holistic thinking.

c. Flashcards are designed to activate both sides of a child’s brain, since the right side processes images and pictures and the left side processes the language forms.

d. By engaging the brain’s holistic processing capabilities, the flashcards promote non-linear thinking and tap into the brain’s capacity to recognize patterns and retain visual information.

e. This approach enhances imagination, intuition, and creativity, as well as improve memory retrieval and retention.

C. As explained above, flashcards are incredible tools for introducing, memorizing, revising and consolidating vocabulary.

a. Research suggests that re-visiting vocabulary is important to build memory and acquisition (Schmitt 2008).

(Transition: Moving on to another important aspect, let's explore the advantages of Flashcards.)

IV. Advantages/Benefits of Flashcards in Foreign Language Teaching.

A. According to Shichida (2024), since flashcards are designed to stimulate both sides of a child’s brain, the entire brain is engaged, which promotes the following benefits for a children’s cognitive development:

1. Flashcards improve memory. Flashcard learning stimulates the brain to retain information by engaging the visual and auditory senses. When the cards are flashed quickly, the brain is forced to process and store the information rapidly.

2. Flashcards enriched vocabulary. Flashcard learning can expand vocabulary, exposing students to new words and phrases in a concise and accessible format.

3. Flashcards enhanced Concentration. Flashcards make students pay close attention by showing info quickly and clearly. This trains the brain to concentrate and filter out distractions, leading to better focus and an increased ability to absorb information.

4. Flashcards provide a visual learning. By associating an image or visual representation with a word, our brains are better at retaining that information.

5. Flashcards promote active recall: It is the process of trying to remember information without external cues. Students are shown the question or word and they have to produce the answer.

6. Flashcards are suitable for all ages. Flashcards are not just for kids; adults can benefit from them too. Whether you're learning a new language, studying for exams, or trying to memorize important facts, flashcards are a versatile tool.

B. Dutta (2011) states that flashcards are based on active memory, metacognition, and spaced repetition, converting them the perfect teaching tool for teachers with the following benefits:

1. Flashcards are portable and convenient. Flashcards can be carried around easily. In comparison to those heavy textbooks, you can carry flashcards anywhere you go because of their small size.

2. Flashcards are Low-cost Option. Flashcards are the most cost-effective options available because you can create your own. To prepare a set of flashcards, teachers do not need to purchase a fancy set of cards that they got from the market. Use 3×5 inches’ index cards to make your own simple flashcards.

3. Flashcards Are Adaptable. Flashcards are versatile and can be adapted to suit different teaching contexts and learning objectives. They can be customized to target specific vocabulary themes, grammar structures, or language skills.

4. Flashcards make the Learning Process Easier. When teachers make flashcards, they should keep things simple and focus on the main idea of the topic. This helps students understand quickly. They should write only the most important parts on the flashcards. This makes learning easier.

5. Flashcards encourage active engagement and participation. Using flashcards keeps students engaged and interested in the lesson. Flashcards have an interactive nature and students are more likely to participate in class activities.

(Transition: It’s clear that flashcards can provide a lot of benefits for both students and teachers, but now let’s see its contra part, the disadvantages of flashcards.)

V. Disadvantages/Drawbacks of Flashcards in Foreign Language Teaching.

A. According to Singh (2023), flashcards help students’ brain develop in recalling and memorizing. However, there is a big debate on how effective it is in actual learning. Here are a few disadvantages of flashcards:

1. Flashcards are time-consuming to create. Making flashcards can be timeconsuming, especially if you're creating a large set for a comprehensive study topic.

2. Flashcards promote memorization over learning. Flashcards prioritize memorization over active learning. They can lead to simply knowing information rather than contextualizing it.

3. Flashcards may lack in learning context. Flashcards typically present isolated pieces of information, which can lack the context necessary for a deep understanding of a topic. This can lead to rote memorization without true comprehension.

4. Flashcards are unsuitable for all learning styles. Not all students learn in the same way. Flashcards can be great for audiovisual learners but not for others. That’s why no language teaching should be based on just one tool or one method.

5. Flashcards are monotonous. Using flashcards repeatedly can become monotonous and boring, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement in the learning process, especially for older learners.

(Transition: Now that we've discussed the disadvantages, let's turn our attention to the Guidelines for making Physical Flashcards.)

VI. Guidelines for making Flashcards in the EFL Classroom.

A. Assuming the role as future teachers, you need to prepare a set of flashcards for a lesson. Making flashcards can be an easy task if you follow these guidelines, (Paul, 2023):

1. Determinate the purpose of the Flashcard. Think about the types of activities and interactions you want to facilitate with the flashcards. If they are meant to teach vocabulary, grammar or both.

2. Determinate the audience. It allows you to tailor the content, format, and level of detail to best meet the needs of your learners. Understanding the audience also helps in selecting appropriate topics and ensuring that the content is relevant and engaging.

3. Determinate a format. Use both side of the flashcards. For vocabulary, make sure that the word is on one side of the flashcard and the other side the drawing. For grammar, write the prompt on one side and the answer on the other side.

4. Organize by Category. Group flashcards by category or theme to facilitate learning and organization. For example, you could create separate sets of flashcards for vocabulary related to food, clothing, weather, etc.

5. Choose a Flashcard size. The flashcard size will depend on your needs and purpose. The standard size for a flashcard is 3 inches by 5 inches.

6. Gather materials. Use Bristol board to reinforce the index cards. Use waterbased color pens or markers to avoid bleeding through paper.

7. Keep it Simple. Write one word or phrase per flashcard to avoid overwhelming students with too much information. Use both side of the flashcards. One for the word or phrase and the other side for illustrations.

8. Make them easy to read. Use clear and standard fonts. Type and size of the font should be the same in all of the flashcards. Avoid grammatical and spelling mistakes, and word repetitions.

9. Use Visuals. Incorporate images or illustrations that represent the meaning of the target vocabulary whenever possible. The images and illustrations must be clear and easy to understand.

10. Make it Neat. Make sure that everything is neat and well-designed. Margins must be the same in all of the flashcards.

(Transition: Having covered the basics of making flashcards effectively, it's important to know the guidelines for storing Flashcards.)

VII. Guidelines for storing Flashcards in the EFL Classroom.

A. Storing flashcards effectively is crucial for easy access and efficient use. Here are some guidelines for storing Flashcards, (Nyla, 2023):

1. Storage Box. A plastic storage container that have slotted tabs with deep storage that will fit different sizes of flash cards. It comes with a lid and the inner divider tabs can be removed. You can label each section alphabetically to keep them organized.

2. Pocket Chart. If you have a ton of flash cards, keep them in a clear pocket chart so that you can easily find the deck you need.

3. Storage Case. Big plastic container with individual small boxes. It’s a great way to sort out the different flashcards.

4. Mesh Zipper Bag. It works as a bag to carry your flashcards and its big enough cards of different shapes and sizes.

B. Storing your flashcards correctly is not enough to preserve them to last for a long time. Here are some tips to make your Flashcards last long:

1. Use Binder Rings. Use them to keep cards together. Punch a hole on one corner in your cards and thread the ring through.

2. Use Hole Reinforcements. Using them can avoid rip your flashcards.

3. Laminate your Flashcards. It’s a great way to protect them from wear and tear, making them more durable for repeated use. You can laminate yourself with a laminated roll.

(Transition: now, let’s take a look of how we are going to assess Flashcards.)

VIII. Flashcards Assessment.

A. A set of flashcards can be evaluated based on the following:

1. You must use a binder ring and hole reinforcement.

2. Include a title in the first card. Name your cards according what they are about.

3. Include a table of content.

4. All of your cards should be numbered.

5. Provide clear instructions for the vocabulary and grammar sections.

6. Content must be related of what you are going to teach.

7. Font must be clear and centered. Avoid of overly decorative or stylized fonts.

Adequate spacing between letters and words.

8. Type and size of the font should be the same in all of the flashcards.

9. Use dark or light colors for the font depending on the color of the Background.

10. The drawings must be clear and easy to understand. Use figure stick drawings.

11. Margins must be the same for both, font and drawings, in all of the flashcards.

Even left and right margins, creating a symmetrical appearance.

12. Flashcards must be free of spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

13. Your flashcards must be original, and use colors, images or other visual element effectively.

(Transition: Now, it's time to delve into the types of activities we can employee in EFL classrooms.)

XI. Types of Activities Using Flashcards.

A. Pachina, E. (2020) divided the flashcards activities into the following categories:

a. Matching Activities. Design a simple matching game where the student must pair a word flashcard with its corresponding image card.

b. Sorting Activities. Make students to order themselves according to numbers, the alphabet. Hand out verb cards, animal cards or ABC cards, and have the students line up in alphabetical order.

c. Sentence Building. Create flashcards with individual words or phrases, and ask students to arrange them to form complete sentences.

d. Memory Activities. Lay out the flashcards in a grid face down. Students take turns flipping over two cards, trying to find matching pairs.

(Transition: Finally, we’re going to see the different examples of flashcards.)

X. Examples of Flashcards for EFL teaching.

A. Vincent (2019) states that flashcards can be made, with the target word or phrase on one side and the following on the other side:

1. Picture Flashcards.

2. Gapped sentence Flashcards.

3. Synonym and Antonym Flashcards.

4. Definition Flashcards.

B. Examples of Flashcards made by previous years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flashcards are invaluable tools for enhancing language learning in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. Through their versatility, simplicity, and engagement, flashcards offer numerous benefits for vocabulary acquisition, grammar practice, speaking skills, and overall language proficiency. By incorporating various types of flashcards and engaging activities into lessons, teachers can create dynamic and effective learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. As students actively engage with flashcards, they develop confidence, fluency, and a deeper understanding of the English language. Thus, flashcards remain an essential component of EFL instruction, fostering meaningful language acquisition and facilitating the journey toward proficiency and communicative competence.

Reference List

Boykhanov, S. M., & Sadriddinova, D. (2020). The effectiveness of flashcards to teach different language leveled students. www.allresearchjournal.com. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/?year=2020&vol=6&issue=1&part=D &ArticleId=6449

Dutta, A. (2023, July 24). Flashcards as a teaching. Evelyn Learning Systems.

https://www.evelynlearning.com/flashcards-as-a-teaching-tool/

Haycraft, J. (1979). An Introduction to English Language Teaching-Longman. [Slide show]. SlideShare. https://es.slideshare.net/elavasquezmuoz/longman-handbooks-forlanguage-teachers-j-haycraftan-introduction-to-english-language-teachinglongman1979pdf

Knight, C. (2023, June 23). Flashcards: An Age-Old Language learning wonder. WordTap.

https://wordtap.net/flashcards-for-language-learning/

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Flashcard. In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20card

Nyla, T. (2024, March 19). How to Store Your Flash Cards - 10 Easy Ways. Nyla’s Crafty

Teaching. https://teachernyla.com/2012/09/how-to-store-your-flash-cards.html

Pachina, E. (2020, January 24). “41 Fun Activities with Flashcards | ITTT | TEFL Blog.” International TEFL and TESOL Training. https://www.teflcourse.net/blog/41-funactivities-with-flashcards/

Paul, & Paul. (2023, March 1). How to make your own Flashcards. DoxZoo.

https://doxzoo.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-flashcards/

Right Brain training flashcards: How do they work. (2023, July 23). Heguru Center.

https://hegurucenter.com.sg/decoding-right-brain-training-flashcards-how-do-theywork/

Singh, M. (2022, October 8). Advantages and disadvantages of using flashcards. Number

Dyslexia. https://numberdyslexia.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-flashcards/

The Power of Flashcards: How they are used to boost learning. (2024, March 21). Shichida Australia. https://www.shichida.com.au/blog/the-power-of-flashcards-how-they-areused-to-boost-learning/

University of Southern Maine. (n.d.). Using flashcard: Learning Commons.

https://usm.maine.edu/learning-commons/using-flash-cards/

Flashcards Presentation