Successful Methods for Learning Vocabulary

Let’s be honest: who hasn’t thrown their dictionary away in frustration because those pesky words just won’t stick in your head?

But don’t despair! There are effective methods to remember vocabulary better—and they’re not magic tricks.

Here are my top tips:

• Context is everything. Try to use new words in sentences or short stories to create connections between the words and what they mean.
• Use music to your advantage. Musicality helps in remembering words, so try singing your vocabulary!
• Practise regularly. Choose a few old words each day and repeat them deliberately.
• Find the right method for you. We all learn differently, so try out different methods to figure out what works best for you.
• Stay motivated! Set small goals and celebrate your progress. Studying with a friend or participating in a language trip can also help you stay motivated.

And remember: mistakes are a part of the learning process!

Here is an additional tip:

• Use spaced repetition. It works by reviewing information at increasing intervals. For example, you might review something every day for a week, then every other day for a week, then once a week, and so on.

  You can use spaced repetition apps like Anki or Memrise to help you remember vocabulary.

Now it’s your turn! 

How have you motivated yourself to learn vocabulary? What tricks have you discovered?