Teacher Approved Study Hacks Using Butterfly Index Cards
When it comes to effective exam preparation, most students rely on re-reading notes, highlighting textbooks, or cramming the night before a test. Instead, teachers and learning scientists recommend active, retrieval-based study techniques.
Here are three teacher-approved study hacks using our Butterfly Index Cards that significantly improve retention and exam performance.
Active Recall Drill
Active recall involves testing yourself instead of reviewing notes passively.
Using Butterfly Index Cards:
- Write a question on the front.
- Write the answer on the back.
- Attempt to answer before flipping the card.
This method strengthens neural pathways through retrieval practice, the act of pulling information from memory.
Source:
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K.A., Marsh, E.J., Nathan, M.J., & Willingham, D.T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1529100612453266
Interleaving Cards
Most students study one topic for hours before moving to another. This is called blocked practice. Interleaving is different. It involves mixing multiple topics or subjects during one study session.
Example:
- 10 Maths cards
- 10 Biology cards
- 10 History cards
Mixed together.
Research shows interleaving improves discrimination, problem-solving, and long-term retention.
Source:
Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The Shuffling of Mathematics Problems Improves Learning. Instructional Science.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11251-007-9015-8
Summaries in 3 Lines
Challenge students to summarise a full concept into just three short bullet points on an index card.
Why it works:
- Forces processing instead of copying
- Encourages conceptual understanding
- Reduces cognitive overload
- Improves memory encoding
This aligns with elaborative rehearsal, a strategy where learners connect and condense information meaningfully.