Studying with Flashcards vs. Summarizing Notes – What Works Best?

As a teacher, you want the best for your student not just in academics, but in how they approach learning. You’ve seen them cramming, flipping through pages, or staring blankly at their books. You may have even wondered, “Is there a better way they could be studying?”

The truth is, how student study matters just as much as how much they study. And in today’s fast-paced academic environment, where exams are tougher and distractions are everywhere, helping your student discover the right study method can make all the difference.

Two of the most common techniques students use today are flashcards and summarizing notes. At first glance, they may seem similar both aim to help the student remember and understand key information. But in practice, they serve different purposes and suit different types of learners.

So how do you know which method works better for the student ? Should they be quizzing themselves with flashcards? Or rewriting class notes in their own words?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Flashcards?

Flashcards are small cards with a question, term, or concept on one side and the answer or explanation on the other. They're often used for quick reviews, memorization, and practice.

Pros of Flashcards:

• Encourage active recall helps student remember information more effectively.

• Great for practicing vocabulary, definitions, formulas, and key concepts.

• Portable and easy to review anytime (especially with digital apps).

• Work well with spaced repetition a powerful memory technique.

What Is Summarizing Notes?

Summarizing involves rewriting class notes or textbook material in a simpler, shorter form. This helps students reflect on and process what they’ve learned.

Pros of Summarizing Notes:

• Encourages comprehension and critical thinking.

• Helps students connect ideas and organize their thoughts.

• Good for long-form subjects like history, literature, or science explanations.

• Writing by hand boosts memory retention.

  
  

So, What Works Best?

The answer truly depends on their subject, and learning style.

If the student is preparing for quick tests, quizzes, or multiple-choice exams, flashcards are often more effective. They're designed to build memory through active recall, especially useful for subjects like science definitions, math formulas, or language vocabulary.

On the other hand, if the student is studying bigger concepts or story-based subjects like history, literature, or even science explanations, summarizing notes may be the better choice. This method allows them to understand, process, and organize information in their own words leading to deeper learning.

Students who are more active, visual learners the ones who enjoy movement, visuals, and bite-sized tasks often benefit from flashcards. These tools keep them engaged and allow frequent, quick revision sessions.

Meanwhile, student who prefer to write, reflect, and take their time thinking usually benefit more from summarizing. It gives them the chance to connect ideas and express what they’ve learned, rather than just memorize facts.

In many cases, a combination of both methods works best. For instance, the student might use flashcards to memorize important dates and terms, while using summarized notes to understand how those events connect.

What Can Teachers Do to Help Students?

• Identify Learning Styles: Observe how each student absorbs information. Are they more visual, verbal, or logical? Tailoring activities and revision strategies to their natural learning preferences can boost effectiveness.

• Encourage a Blended Approach: Promote the use of both flashcards and summarizing. Flashcards help with quick recall, while summarizing deepens understanding. By teaching students when and how to use both, we can support more well-rounded learning.

• Make Learning Fun and Engaging: Incorporate color-coded notes, games, and interactive tools like Quizlet or Anki in class. When students enjoy the process, they engage more deeply and retain better.

• Build Consistent Routines: Support students in developing daily revision habits. Even short, regular reviews using their preferred method can lead to lasting learning. Offer reminders, planner time, or class-based review minutes to reinforce this.

• Let Students Teach: Give them opportunities to explain concepts to peers or the class. When students teach back, quiz each other, or present summaries, it reinforces their confidence and comprehension.

Final Thoughts

In a world full of educational tools, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. But when it comes to choosing between flashcards and summarizing notes, the key isn’t about finding the “best” method it’s about discovering what fits your child’s learning style, personality, and study needs.

Some student thrive on speed, structure, and repetition for them, flashcards offer an engaging way to reinforce knowledge. Others need time to absorb, reflect, and make sense of what they’re learning and summarizing helps them build deeper connections and truly understand the material.

As a teacher, your role isn’t just to guide them toward better grades, but to help them build confidence in how they learn. Encourage them to explore both techniques. Let them experiment, fail, adjust, and find what feels most natural and effective. What works in 6th grade may not work in 10th and that’s perfectly okay. Learning how to learn is a journey in itself.

By supporting a study method that aligns with their strengths, you’re not just helping them prepare for exams you’re helping them become independent, lifelong learners. And that is a skill far more valuable than any single test score.