How To Make SRS Flashcards Work For You: A Balanced Approach For Beginners

Using Spaced Repetition Systems to Boost Your Comprehension and Language Production

Photo by Fredy Jacob on Unsplash

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If you’re learning a new language, you’ve probably heard about Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS) like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise. These apps promise to revolutionize your vocabulary learning by helping you remember words with less effort. Sounds great, right? But here’s the thing — just like with any tool, the key is knowing how to use it effectively. So, let’s break down how these apps can help beginners learn vocabulary — and where they might fall short.

Why SRS Flashcards Are Awesome for Beginners

1. Efficient Vocabulary Retention

Let’s face it: memorizing a list of random words is about as fun as watching paint dry. But SRS apps make it more bearable by helping you focus on the words you’re about to forget. By using a spaced-out review system, these apps ensure that you spend less time reviewing words you’ve already mastered and more time on those you’re still struggling with.

The idea is simple: you’ll see a flashcard again just before you’re about to forget it…