In contrast to the instructional type flashcard, there are cards that just contain practice problems. With this type of card, if you do not already know how to solve the problem, the card is of no use to you. It is useful only to practice applying knowledge you already have.

Both types of cards have their place, but I think it is useful to keep the distinction in mind when constructing a deck of flashcards. I personally don’t like to mix the two types in the same deck. If I am still in the process of mastering the skills and concepts of a subject area, I want every card in the deck to help me with that. I don’t want to be frustrated by a random practice problem that I don’t yet know how to solve. Of course, that is a personal preference, and you are free to structure your own flashcard decks however you like. However, when you first create a deck, you may want to make an upfront decision about what types of cards you want it to contain (instructional cards, practice problems, or mixed), and state that decision explicitly in your description of the deck’s purpose. That way, other members of your group have some guidance about what kind of cards you want them to add.