how do you remember all those words

Question

I always made vocabulary cards with the (French, Spanish, Latin, etc) on one side and the English on the other. Sometimes I would make the cards with the definition on one side and the word on the other. Then if I didn't have a parent or friend available I could quiz myself. As I mastered a word or phrase, then I would remove that word from the pack of cards. When I got rid of all the cards for that week, I would give myself a "reward". <G>

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Although I have been unable to access your original question, I cn add to the ideas from GuruBlue:

Analyze what type of learner you are:

If you learn best by something visual, you need to SEE what you want to learn. If you learn aurally, you need to HEAR what you want to learn. If you learn kinesthetically, you need to PHYSICALLY be involved in what you are learning.

Here is something you can do, besides the usual flash cards, repetition, chanting, etc. Get a hand-held tape recorder. Record what you want to learn, leaving a space after each word or expression. Now, at first only listen passively. This is as close to learning by osmosis as you can get! Then, listen and repeat in that space you left, trying to match exactly the pronunciation, intonation of the model. To do this you need to be sure that the model is correct. If you are not that good at Spanish /French yet, get someone who is to put it on tape for you. The third step is to listen, say, and read (see) what you are trying to learn. Then, when you can listen, say, close your eyes and "see" it in your mind's eye you are ready for the final step. Listen and write in that space, then checking VERY closely with the written script, having the exact spelling, including accents.

STUDY HINTS:

1) Pay attention in class. The old "you snooze, you lose" saying applies here.

2) Ask questions. How will you understand something confusing if you do not ask?

3) Study a little every night. You can not learn a language just by attending class and then putting your book in your locker until the next day! Language learning is an ongoing process. Think about how you learned English as a young child!

4) Make flashcards! Start today! For each vocabulary lesson, make a stack of index cards or cut paper in small squares. Write the English on one side and the Spanish on the other. Flip through them while you wait for the bus, during homeroom, during tv commercials, in the cafeteria line, etc. That can add up to 10 to 20 minutes a day and then you have reviewed--no pain!

5) Participate ACTIVELY! Do not wait to be called on; raise your hand! Spanish class is not like other classes. You have to be an active member in class so you can get feedback on your pronunciation and make sure you have a handle on what you are learning!

6) Color-code the spelling problems you have to "set" this in your "mind's eye." Use the bilious yellow, orange, lime-green, hot pink, etc.