Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Posted by Susan Hyde Oct 24, 2007

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe may have missed the mark when he quipped, "When ideas fail, words come in very handy." On the contrary, a rich vocabulary communicates ideas succinctly and with necessary specificity.

Mnemonics for Long-Term Memory

Students who have a broad understanding of words will typically have an increased ability to understand written and spoken words and will be able to use written and oral language to communicate more effectively.

Unfortunately, typical vocabulary lessons often fall short. When students merely memorize definitions without context they may not truly understand meaning. Without meaning, the material will only be learned for the short term.

With this in mind, teachers should strive to bring words alive with learning activities and games that bring pictures, stories and humor to words.

Memorization Strategies that Work:

• Kinesthetic lessons results in long-term learning. Have students to work in groups to create and perform skits that integrate vocabulary words in the context of a story.
• Pictures cement meaning for Visual-Spatial learners. Use Vocabulary Cartoons to provide word links and pictorial mnemonic links for memorization.
• Have students draw a related pictorial representation next to each word on the front of 3X5 index cards. On the back of each card, have them write the correct definitions. These flashcards help to make vocabulary more vivid than words alone.
• Allow students to use the board or overhead projector to play a makeshift game based on the rules of Milton-Bradley's Pictionary (TM).
• Link related words and definitions that have similar meanings using Word Webs.