The Science of Memory: Best Flashcard Techniques for Active Recall Flashcards are one of the most popular tools for studying vocabulary, dates, and formulas. However, many students use them in ways that are highly inefficient, resulting in a waste of time and poor retention. To help you get the most out of your revision sessions, we have outlined the best flashcard techniques backed by cognitive science. Keep Cards Simple (One Question, One Answer) Do not turn your flashcards into paragraphs of notes. If a card contains too much information, your brain will struggle to retrieve it, and you won’t know if you actually got the card "correct." Bad Card: Front: What is Photosynthesis? | Back: A complex multi-line paragraph explaining the chemistry, stages, and history.* Good Card: Front: What green pigment absorbs light in photosynthesis? | Back: Chlorophyll.* Use the Leitner System The Leitner System is a highly effective way of sorting your cards based on how well you know them: Place all your flashcards in Box 1. Review them. If you get a card