Standardized Test Preparation with Mobile Flashcard Apps

A variety of Flashcard Apps (FCAs) for standardized tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE and SAT can be downloaded from the Google Play and iPhone App Stores for free and used by the students to prepare for any of those tests. FCAs contain thousands of essential words and specialized vocabulary covering several categories such as biology, history, art, environment, social and human science. FCAs have customizable features. They have several learning modes: Study, Slide show, Matching, Memorize and Quiz. Students can listen and learn, without having to look at the screen. Multiple-choice tests, Group choice tests, Word choice tests are provided as well. Words can be browsed alphabetically, sequentially, or randomly. They are a good tool for improving vocabulary and helping the students learn faster and remember more in a shorter time. Words that are important or difficult can be starred and revised on demand. This article gives examples of standardized test mobile flashcard apps (MFCAs), shows how FCAs can be located and gives some criteria for selecting relevant flashcards apps. Instruction with the MFCAs goes through three stages: pre-task, task, and post-task phases. The instructor serves as a facilitator. She can help the students find and download flashcards that meet their needs and purposes and match their proficiency level gives pre-questions and follows the students up to make sure they are making the best use of them. The article concludes with some recommendations.