I have been learning flashcards on one system, I will call System (I), but have found another system I will call System (II). I wanted to briefly describe each and would appreciate any feedback on which one is more effective, and or efficient. And I would also like to know which way Mnemosyme intended for us to use it, so I can figure out how to get the highest retention of material.
Description of Sets: I have one set of cards with 75 cards (as an example). Within this set I have 3 tags, which equally divides the cards into 3 "sub-sets" with 25 cards in each (Tag A, B, and C) I am holding 10 cards in my hand at a time.
In System (I), I simply activate all 75 cards, and do them until I have memorized each until I get to 11, then I activate another set of 75 cards.
In System (II) I do one tagged set of 25 (Tag A), then after I finish this I do the next set of 25 (Tag B), then the last one (Tag C).
The reason why I am noticing a very BIG difference in both systems occurs when I hit the 10 mark. In system (I) I never allow the cards to dwindle to the last 10. I am forced to learn the very difficult cards at some point--after too many of them have piled up and I want to make way to learn newer cards. SO I have to learn them.
In System II I do not have to worry about the hard cards (I seem to learn them more naturally), I simply do the 25 cards and when it gets down to the last 10, I know that I only have to let those "hard cards" dwindle form 9 to 8 to 7. Each time it goes down by one, it makes it easier to learn the cards. This is because they are coming up more often. This system, as compared to system (I), where even if I learn a hard card, a new card pops up which diminishes my ability to focus on the 9 cards or so that were in my hand.
System (II) is faster (the one with only 25 cards), it seems a better way to learn the difficult cards more efficiently, but in system (I) has advantages. It forces me to have to recall things, since it never dwindles down to 5 cards. I think System (I) wold have better long term retention rate, but system (II) allows me to really understand each tagged subject well, instead of blurring the topics with the next set of 75 cards.
Any thoughts as to which way seems more effective and effective overall better way to retain information is appreciated. Thank you for reading this.
God bless.