Why Re-Reading Lecture Slides Doesn't Work
Passively scrolling through PowerPoint slides creates an illusion of learning. You recognize the information when you see it, but you can't recall it on the exam. This is called the "fluency illusion" - familiarity feels like knowledge, but it isn't.
Flashcards force active recall - the process of actively retrieving information from memory. Every time you try to remember what's on the back of a flashcard, you strengthen that neural pathway. Combined with spaced repetition, this leads to long-term retention.
Research shows students using active recall retain 50% more information than those who only re-read their notes.