Flash cards are such a popular device for learning organic chemistry. Why don't I like them? I have been trying to think how I can conceptualize my negativity to them. After all, I used them to learn German in high school, what is different?

Lets try these examples:

4356 ÷ 363 = 12
3185 ÷ 245 = 13
20916 ÷ 747 = 18

I do not doubt that you could make flash cards and memorize these examples. These are simple examples of long division and you could easily memorize them. This is my question, "Have you learned long division by memorizing the results?" Of course not, then why would you use flash cards for organic chemistry? The key to learning long division is the process in between the problem and the answers. It is the same with organic chemistry. Memorizing the products for reactants does not teach you the process by which they form.

Tags: flash cards