Flashcards are a tool that helps you use repetition, and we know that repetition isn’t the most effective memorization technique. However, the act of creating flashcards and physically using them is a more active way of learning than just repeating words in your head, and that’s a good thing.
Physically writing and making flashcards with the names of the chemical elements requires more interaction and engagement with the periodic table and that will help your learning process. Flashcards can also be convenient to carry with you, meaning you can practice when you’re on the bus or waiting for your friends. Geeky? Yes, but nobody said memorizing the periodic table ranks high on the spectrum of cool. If you decide flashcards are your thing, use them in combination with the four step framework for repetition. 1. Learn elements in small groups of five or ten. 2. Recite the element names out loud and only refer to the flashcards to assist you when you get stuck. 3. Space out your learning sessions and take advantage of the convenience of flashcards to do learning and revision when spare moments appear in your day. 4. Don’t stop learning when you can recite a list of elements successfully once, but keep going and really hammer it home. Bottom line, flashcards are an active and convenient way to use repetition and practice recall. But it’s still going to be a time consuming way to learn all 118 elements. No shortcuts here.