New Flashcard Layout
Since we changed the flashcard layout we have gotten a lot of feedback and questions. This was motivated by a concern over the word "Incorrect." There are a number of students who have been sensitized by an overly judgmental school system and as a result react very negatively to criticism. We understand and sympathize with this problem and hope that you will appreciate this also.
On the other hand, we also understand that being wrong is a part of life and that one cannot achieve great things without making a great many errors. Later on, we will show you a simple technique that will help you resolve persistent negative feelings of all kinds.
In changing the flashcard layout, we did not change the functionality. We only changed the way it was displayed. Some users would prefer a simple choice of correct or incorrect. There are serious problems with that approach. This is not a test. It is a learning system. Tests are coming soon. We need tests to have an objective measure of progress. In the flashcard learning system, students evaluate themselves. Let's say that a student gets the answer correctly, but will forget it in 15 minutes. Is that correct? Hardly. In the learning system, correct versus incorrect is not a black or white issue. There are many shades of gray in between.
Some people might respond that this is overly complicated. This is no more complicated than kindergarten math. Flashcards are used for much more than rote memorization. As we design them, they also teach you to think. We place a high value on your ability to think.
The bottom line is that the weaker your understanding of a flashcard, the sooner you need to see it. If you don't know the answer, you need to see it again as soon as possible, the first choice.
If you do know the answer, but think you will forget it again sometime today, you will still need the first choice. Selecting a first choice will enable you to see the flashcard after you have cycled through the remaining flashcards in the subtopic.
If you know the answer, but think you will forget it tomorrow, select the second choice. If you know the answer, but think you will forget it in a week, select the third choice. If you know the answer, but think you will forget it in a month, select the fourth choice. If you know the answer, and believe that you will remember it for life, select the fifth choice.
While this may seem complicated, it will pay off in the long run because if you follow the method, you will remember everything we teach for life. That is our goal. We have updated the
flashcard user guide which you can download and print out. We strongly urge that you do that.
A word about self-esteem. According to the national Institute of mental health, 26% of Americans have a diagnosable mental illness. In the great majority of cases, this begins in childhood. As we get necessary funding, we intend to address health issues as part of our curriculum. There are some simple techniques that you can learn as a part of a self health maintenance program. One of them that we have found particularly useful is described at
The World Center for Emotional Freedom Techniques.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to call us at 323-258-1616. If this is a toll call, send us an e-mail with your phone number and we'll call you. It is very critical that you completely understand this procedure.