Why Flashcards?

Flashcards are the fastest and best way to memorize almost any type of information. Whether you're memorizing multiplication tables, vocabulary lists, a new language, or just plain old definitions, flashcards will help you organize the information in a way that helps you learn more efficiently. Cram is especially useful because we utilize the Leitner System of studying. This system has helped thousands of students around the world memorize large amounts of information.

Flashcards have been in use since the 19th century, but web and mobile applications have made them even better. Using Cram.com, we can automatically hide cards you already know so that you can focus on the ones you don't. Any flashcard set can also become a memorization game, so that you can compete, have fun AND learn your flashcard set. If you want to practice your set in a test environment, we can make your flashcards into multiple-choice, fill in the blank and matching questions – automatically. You can now test yourself before ever entering the classroom. Still not convinced? Choose any of our mobile apps and take your flashcards with you on the bus, train, plane or however else you get around town. Start browsing now and find the perfect set to study. Cram is like having your own personal flashcard library in your pocket. Start studying and learn something new today!

Cram Mode and The Leitner System

In the early 70's a German psychologist named Sebastian Leitner devised a learning system that made selective learning possible with less effort than the traditional method of studying a set of flashcards sequentially.

Leitner’s system consists of a cardboard box separated into a number of compartments. The compartments are filled with flashcards that are moved from one compartment to another, according to the current level of knowledge. When a flashcard is answered correctly, it is promoted to the next compartment. When a flashcard is answered incorrectly, it is demoted to the first compartment.

For Cram.com, we have developed a modified version of the Leitner system called “Cram Mode.”

How It Works

  • When studying the flashcards in a given level, you go through the set normally and choose if it’s right or wrong.
  • When all of the flashcards from the compartment have been answered you are presented with a summary of the results.
  • When the results are saved, all flashcards that were answered correctly are promoted to the next level. Flashcards that were incorrect are demoted to the first level.
  • A set is complete when all flashcards are in the highest level.

The result of the Leitner System is that you are automatically pushed towards focusing on the more difficult flashcards that are giving you the most problems.

Benefits Of Using Cram Mode

  • Selective Learning: Prioritize your studying by focusing on the proper level—each level represents a degree of knowledge. This allows you to learn what you need to learn, when you want to learn it.
  • Staggered Learning: With Cram staggered learning minimizes the amount of time required to complete a set and maximizes information retention.
  • Automation: Flashcards are moved between the levels automatically, making it easy to see which flashcards you need to study and improve on.
  • Assessment: By examining the distribution of flashcards within the various compartments you can easily gauge your mastery of the subject.
  • Community: Cardsets can be made up of any of the hundreds of thousands of flashcards in our system. Add these flashcards to your own set to leverage the time spent by your peers creating these flashcards.

Why Cram.com?

Cram was originally founded in January 2001, when it was originally called Flashcard Exchange. Since that time, the site has grown into a thriving community of educators, students, and all types of enthusiastic learners. And we still take the time to answer email, if you want to get in touch with us.

You can also snail mail us at the address below:

Learneo, Inc.
Student Brands, LLC
Attn: Monique Ho, General Counsel
2000 Seaport Blvd, Floor 3
Redwood City, CA 94063 US

If you've made it this far, what are you waiting for? Create a set and ace that exam!

- Cram Team

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