Using Vocabulary Flash Cards
For those learning to read, strong learning curves are required to apply the levels of information for vocabulary and learning. When a child is at a younger age, this learning curve is stronger and needs to be enhanced through different tools and means. This guarantees that the child has the capacity to learn even more with the available methods. One recommended option for children who are striving to have better communication skills and more vocabulary words is the use of vocabulary flash cards.
The use of using specific tools for memory, comprehension and understanding of vocabulary words is often questioned by educators. Knowing what concepts work effectively when applying this type of learning is often debated, with some believing that the ability to comprehend and retain vocabulary words requires specific training, while others have found that simply reading materials allows children to apply different vocabulary skills. This separate set of ideas has led to various questions by researchers to find the best solutions to learning comprehension, specifically when relating to vocabulary comprehension.
Because vocabulary flash cards are one of the most well known aspects of learning and retaining vocabulary, there are several researchers who have questioned its ability to assist students in reading comprehension and memorization in vocabulary words. In some studies, it has been found that children who use vocabulary flash cards, for both words and phrases, had a significantly higher understanding and comprehension level with both new words as well as with reading. This shows the concept of vocabulary training with these types of tools is effective for children who are applying new words with vocabulary and communication[1].
The concept of using vocabulary flash cards is known to not only help with remembering basic words, but also applies to the understanding of the words at various levels. This includes new cognitive levels that are applied when using flash cards. Most flash cards are known to use general meanings as well as word recognition. This is combined with repetitiveness and applying the words to different context, such as reading materials. These levels of knowledge work together to define the words and to apply them at new levels so there is complete comprehension of how different words can be used, as well as application to what these words mean[2].
With the different abilities available for children to learn vocabulary at new levels is the concept of using tools to ensure that there is complete application of the words. Using vocabulary flash cards as a tool is a simple and effective way to apply vocabulary words. These are not just understood by children at a basic level, but also apply to children who have the need to comprehend and apply the vocabulary with deeper meanings.
[1] Tan, Annette, Tom Nicholson. (1997). “Flashcards Revisited: Training Poor Readers to Read Words Faster Improves Their Comprehension of Text.” Journal of Educational Psychology (89), (2), 276-288.
[2] Pany, Darlene, Joseph Jenkins. (1978). “Learning Word Meanings: A Comparison of Instructional Procedures.” Learning Disability Quarterly. (1), (2), pgs. 21 – 32.
