Vocabulary: Strategies for Vocabulary Learning & Retention (A1) - Lesson 4: Creating Simple Handmade Flashcards

Lesson 4: Creating Simple Handmade Flashcards

A Powerful Tool for Memorization

How do you know if you truly remember a new word? You need to test yourself! A very powerful and famous tool for this is the "flashcard¹". This lesson will teach you how to make and use your own simple, handmade flashcards to make your vocabulary strong through active memorization².

Why Use Flashcards?

• Active Recall³: Trying to remember the answer *before* you check forces your brain to work hard. This creates a very strong memory.
• Spaced Repetition: You can review⁴ your flashcards easily and often. Frequent, short practice is better than one long study session.
• They Are Portable⁵: You can carry them in your pocket and practice anywhere!
• You Can Test Yourself: They are a perfect tool for checking your progress without help from a teacher.

How to Make an Effective Flashcard

Making good flashcards is easy. Just follow these steps.

1. Get Your Materials: You just need some paper (cut into small, equal-sized cards) and a pen.
2. The Front of the Card: On one side, write the English word clearly and big. You can also draw a small picture here (like we learned in Lesson 1).
3. The Back of the Card: On the *other* side, write the meaning. You can write:
   • The Khmer translation.
   • A simple English definition.
   • An example sentence using the word.
4. One Word Per Card: This is very important! Only put one new vocabulary word on each card.

In Conversation

Bora sees Srey studying and asks about her method.

Bora: Srey, you are remembering so many new English words. What is your strategy?

Srey: Thank you, Bora! I make flashcards. Look.

Bora: (Looks at a card). On the front, it says 'bicycle' with a small picture.

Srey: Yes. Now, I try to remember the meaning *before* I turn it over. I think... 'it's a vehicle with two wheels'.

Bora: And what is on the back?

Srey: (Turns the card over). It has the Khmer word 'កង់' and an example sentence, 'I ride my bicycle'.

Bora: Wow! So you test yourself with every card. That is a great idea for active recall!

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. Why are flashcards a powerful tool for learning?

• a) Because they are big.
• b) Because they help you test yourself with active recall.
• c) Because they use only pictures.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) Because they help you test yourself with active recall.

2. What should you write on the FRONT of a flashcard?

• a) A long definition in Khmer.
• b) A list of many different words.
• c) One English word (and maybe a picture).

Click to see the answer

Answer: c) One English word (and maybe a picture).

3. How many new vocabulary words should you put on ONE flashcard?

• a) As many as possible.
• b) Only one.
• c) Exactly five words.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) Only one.

edit Your Mission

1. Create Your First Set: Choose 5 vocabulary words from any of our past lessons. Create 5 flashcards using the method from this lesson.
2. Test Yourself: Mix up your 5 cards. Look at the English word and try to say the meaning. Then, look at the meaning and try to say the English word.
3. Carry and Review: Your special mission! Put your flashcards in your pocket or bag. When you have a free moment today, take them out and review for just two minutes.

book Lesson Glossary

1. Flashcard (noun) - Khmer: កាតពន្លឺ - A card with a word or picture on it, used for studying. ↩
2. Memorization (noun) - Khmer: ការទន្ទេញ - The process of learning something so you can remember it perfectly. ↩
3. Active Recall (noun phrase) - Khmer: ការរំលឹកសកម្ម - The method of actively trying to remember information from your memory. ↩
4. Review (verb) - Khmer: រំលឹក - To study something again to refresh your memory. ↩
5. Portable (adjective) - Khmer: អាចយកតាមខ្លួនបាន - Easy to carry or move around. ↩