Learning effectively: How to create revision cards

Do you also spend hours creating "beautiful" study notes? Only to re-read them over and over, hoping that everything will eventually sink in?

And yet, after several days of cramming, for example, this ENDLESS chapter on the central nervous system, you realize that the concepts are still not well-integrated... and the exam is approaching.

Last week, we talked about the blank sheet technique, which allows you to assess where you stand in your understanding of a course. But let's be honest: when there are dozens (or even hundreds) of concepts to memorize, this method alone is not always enough.

So how can you learn and understand effectively despite the heavy workload?

Learning is a matter of strategy (not talent)

You’ve surely already heard phrases like:

  • "It's unfair, he re-reads his course an hour before the exam and remembers everything..."
  • "I have the memory of a goldfish."
  • "I'm terrible at anatomy, I've never been good at rote learning."

Learning is not a matter of talent, but of method and habit.

It's a bit like an athlete: if you don't train with an effective program, you won't progress.

And it just so happens that today, we're going to talk about two key concepts for learning better and memorizing for the long term.

1. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition (The J Method)

Active Recall: learning by being active

Reading and re-reading your course is useless. (Only 10% retention according to Edgar Dale, which isn't enough).

Active Recall is the ability to actively search for information in your memory. Because yes, "Recognizing is not knowing."

That's why you need to test yourself regularly, in order to be more efficient in your learning compared to simply re-reading notes.

The J Method: optimizing revision

The brain works by forgetting what it doesn't find useful. The idea is to force it to recall information just before it forgets it.

The more recent and less consolidated an piece of information is, the more often it needs to be reviewed to be firmly anchored.

And that is exactly what Anki does.

2. Anki: The app that does the work for you?

Anki is a flashcard application available on phones and computers that allows you to constantly test yourself.

But above all, it automatically manages the review interval between each card to optimize memorization.

Why is Anki more effective than classic notes?

  • You are active: instead of passively re-reading, you test yourself.
  • You save time: no need to review what you already know.
  • Your learning is optimized: the algorithm handles the repetitions for you.

In short, no more long, endless PDF re-readings!

Step 1: Install Anki

The app is free on Android and paid on the App Store, but it's a good investment.

Step 2: Create your first deck of cards

Personally, I recommend one deck per subject to properly organize your revisions.

Examples:

  • One deck for anatomy
  • One deck for physiology
  • One deck for practical courses

Step 3: Add your first cards

Two formats exist:

- Classic cards: a question on one side, the answer on the other.
- Bidirectional cards: the app asks you the question in either direction (super useful for Latin terms in anatomy!).

Warning: Phrase your questions well to avoid pitfalls and ensure you don't test yourself with questions that are too vague.

3. Building a learner identity: Learning for the long term

But beyond all that, there is something even more important: you must see yourself as a learner, not just as a student.

The goal is not to pass an exam.
The goal is to become good in your field.

Do you want to top your class? Or do you want to be a competent professional? One doesn't prevent the other, but by definition, only one person can be at the top.

True success is acquiring knowledge for the long term, not just being able to regurgitate it for a midterm.

And that requires solid work habits.

Tip: Apply the Atomic Habits method

According to Atomic Habits by James Clear, 1% improvement every day is 37 times more effective in one year.

If you work a little bit every day with an effective method, you will be much better in the long term than someone who works intensively just before an exam.

What does that look like in practice?

  • Make your study sessions obvious: set a fixed time and a trigger (e.g., "After breakfast, I do 10 minutes of Anki").
  • Make your study sessions attractive: associate them with something you like (e.g., study while listening to calm music).
  • Make your study sessions easy: start with 2 minutes, just to get into it.
  • Make your study sessions satisfying: check off a box each day you study to see your progress.


Duolingo for anatomy: coming soon!

And if you want to take it even further, I am currently working on a Duolingo for anatomy 🦴: a platform that will help you learn anatomy interactively, like Anki, but even better adapted for health students.

It's under construction, but I'll tell you more about it very soon!

Conclusion: Become a SuperStudent

You now have three powerful tools:

✅ The blank sheet to test your understanding.
✅ Anki for long-term memorization.
✅ A habit system for long-term progress.

See you soon for the next steps; you'll have all the keys to become the most solid person in your field, because tourists belong at the beach, not in a clinic.

Thanks to Nicolas Augst for his great help in writing this article


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