Vocabulary Study Ideas
- To make flashcards, write a word on the front of an index card and the definition on the back. The first time through the deck, read the word on the front and try to guess what the definition is. For the second time through, read the definition on the back and try to guess what the word on the front is. Before going through the flashcards for a third time, shuffle them. Continue alternating between reading the word and reading the definition as necessary.
- Keep study sessions short, and perform them multiple times a day. More knowledge is retained through six 10-minute sessions than one 60-minute session. Reviewing the information several times a day allows the brain to build connections to the material in different contexts. The result is that the stored information becomes easier to recall.
- Mnemonics are techniques for improving memory. To remember the definition of the vocabulary word "assuage," an association mnemonic can be used. Assuage means to make milder or less severe, to relieve or ease. Put an "m" in front of "assuage" and it looks a lot like the word "massage." A massage helps to relieve and ease muscle tension. By building this word association in the brain, the definition of "assuage" is easier to remember.
- Try constructing your own sentences with new vocabulary words. This creates individualized associations with the words that will help in remembering. Wacky and humorous sentences also tend to be more memorable. A sycophant is a person who uses flattery to gain favor with an individual of influence or authority. To remember this definition, the sentence could be: The psychotic elephant constantly told the lion how silky his mane looked in an effort to avoid being eaten.