Flashcards the right way?
I read a flashcard tip on a flashcard site that recommended the front side of the card be your native language and the back be the language you are learning. Otherwise, it said, you would be emphasizing your receptive ability and not your expressive.
Does anyone know about this or have an opinion?
Which is better for learning?
3 Answers
I would rather go with my native tongue on the backside when doing flashcards. That way I work my brain to figure it out.
I have never really thought about this or heard about this concept. I thought a combination of both would be ideal.
Sometimes I start with the English word on the front. Other times I begin with the Spanish in front. I'm sure there is some good science behind this theory, but I always like to mix things up.
Maybe there are some teachers out there who can enlighten us. 
Most flashcard software (and the old fashioned "card" ones) allow you to flip them over. So you can use them in both "directions," i.e., native language to learning one, and learning language to native one.
Naturally, it is easier to go from your native language to the one you are learning. So the reason I like flashcard software is the "recall" function. Like here on this site, where I'm required to type in the foreign word I am learning (along with prepositions it takes, irregularities, etc.). 
And repeat the process often, till I know I can have the word on the tip of my tongue in an actual real-time conversation.
