Get less frustrated with vocabulary.
Methods which fit the whole spectrum of learners
Back in school we were taught to learn vocabulary with a list. For some this might have been a great way to learn vocabulary, but for some it didn't work at all. Generally speaking there are three types of learners out there. The visual, the auditory and the kinaesthetic. Each and every type has it’s unique way of learning.
3 Types of learners
A visual learner (V) is more capable of recalling images, whether it is a digram, a video or a text. When it comes to meeting people those people don’t have a problem to recall their faces, but they have difficulties remembering their names. Therefore, those learners have a vivid imagination and can visualise stuff more easily in your head than others.
Auditory learners (A) are the complete opposite to a visual learner. They can remember the information they hear more easily than what they see. Remembering the content of a podcast, a conversation or a song can be done with ease. If those type of learners were in a meeting, they don’t necessarily need to take notes, as they can recall the information purply on based on what they’ve heard. Therefore those people are more likely to remember the names of people rather than the faces.
Kinaesthetic learners (K)don’t necessarily remember what people said or looked like, but what they were doing. Specific actions and places are the easiest way to bring up memories. Learners like these typically learn best by imitation and practice. Difficulties reading and slower information processing are some key indicators for a kinaesthetic learner.
Now let’s take a look at some learning methods, which suits each type of learner best.
List (V&K)
A list is probably the most popular method out there. Get a piece of paper and write out a list of all the new words you have come across. The list should be divided into two columns, one with the word you have learned and the other with the translation. The huge benefit of this method lies in its simplicity. Further as you are actively seeing and writing the words you develop a muscle meomory. As a result this method is great for visual and kinaesthetic learners. However it’s simplicity results in a boredom. It is not a very exciting method for learning vocabulary and can lead to a dip in motivation. Aditionally the effectivness of this method also relies on your handwriting. If your handwriting is messy it is really hard to learn efficiently.
Flash cards & SRS (V&K)
Instead of writing on a piece of paper you write on flashcards. You use one side for the word, which you want to learn, and on the other side you write down the translation. A great way to keep an good overview of the words is to categorise them, so you repeat words that are mor difficult for you more frequent. The way in which you are going to do that is completly up to you. Get creative! This method isn’t only useable for vocabulary, it can be also used for grammer. The downside of this method is that the more vocabulary you are learning, the more complicated and complex it gets. Also if you are traveling a lot it can be hard to carry them around. To overcome the complexity you can make use of Spaced Repetition Software (SRS) such as Memrise, Anki or Duolingo.
Spaced Repetition Softwares let you add as many words as you want and reminds you on a regular bases review your vocabulary. You are also able to add pictures, memes, videos etc. there is really no limit to your creativity. The potential downside of this method is the reliance on technology. Keep in mind that distraction is only one click away!
Music (A)
Music is a very catchy and exciting way of learning new words. The combination of words being sung to a rhythm helps to make them stick. In order to actually learn from music you need to get your hands on the lyrics and the translation of the lyrics. Otherwise it would be nearly impossible to guess what the singer is singing about. Music covers a wide variety of themes, however it can be challenging to find a song in which the lyrics are words that you would use on a day to day basis. Listening to music or a podcast on the move can also be helpful for kinaesthetic learners. It is a great way to make use of the otherwise “useless” time.
