1. Vocab Sheets - Words in one column, definition in another column. Fold the paper in half to cover one column and try to recall definition or word.
Advantages: Easy to make, portable.
Disadvantages: You can see the definition of the next word when you flip the vocab sheet around.
2. Flash Cards - Definition on one side, words in another.
Advantages: Can shuffle the order of terms, portable, can study in quick bursts between classes.
Disadvantages: Must actively try to recall instead of just flipping the card over when you hit the slightest roadblock.
3. Accordion Sheets - This is a method I made up myself. I have a post on it here. This is best for foreign language vocab. Basically, you write the term in English in the margin of a piece of notebook paper and then write from memory the term in your target language in the column over. Correct yourself with a different colored pen, and then fold over the column with English in it. Finally, write the English in the column to the right of the target language column. And repeat this process until you have memorized everything.
Advantages: Fast, easy, can see differences between terms easily, asks you to recall by writing down and correcting yourself visually, can easily see improvement or terms that are giving you trouble. This is one of my favorite methods to learn vocab quickly.
Disadvantages: Not good for terms with complicated definitions. No random order.
4. Audio Recording - Create an audio recording where you say a term, wait a few seconds of silence, and then say the definition. You can listen to this audio file when you’re walking or doing chores. The few seconds of silence in between the term and the definition are when you would think/say your answer when you’re listening to the recording.
Advantages: Can study while you’re doing other things.
Disadvantages: Slow, takes time to record.
5. Quizlet - Flashcards but digital.
Advantages: I mostly create quizlets for other people so future students in the class can use my sets, which is motivating.
Disadvantages: I find that I don’t memorize things as well when they’re digital. Plus, I don’t think when I type, which means I’m losing out on the thinking I’d be doing if I were making physical flashcards, but that’s just me.
6. Stickynotes everywhere - If you have to learn household vocabulary, you can put stickynotes with the vocab in your target languages on your own household items.
7. Mnemonics - Memory devices. For example, the word ferule means “an instrument, such as a cane, stick, or flat piece of wood, used in punishing children,” so I would say, “Ferule looks like feral, which is what punishing children is.”
Advantages: Can be useful to learn tricky vocabulary that is giving you trouble.
Disadvantages: I would most recommend using mnemonics for words/terms you have trouble remembering.
8. Spreading it out - If you are learning English vocabulary, you can try to use one or two of the words in daily conversation.
Advantages: Gives you a situation to attach the word to.
Disadvantages: Not great for studying quickly.
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