I just have SO much trouble with remembering new languages! Does anybody have any ideas to help me remember and to have fun studying Spanish? (ie. flashcards...) I really need HELP!
Helen
I sent your post to our foreign language expert, SraJMcGin. I'm sure she'll have several suggestions.
Some general ideas for memorizing:
Take a deep breath and scan over what you are to memorize.
Be sure to be in a quiet room with appropriate lighting.
Look for patterns and other ways to break the material into groups of 3 to 4 familiar elements if possible. (a “set”)
Try to find any elements from your own experience (memorizing by association) Create an acronym or a vivid “story” to help with tricky words.
For Auditory Learners:
Listening repetition will help remember the order of things. A hand-held recorder was great for this, but without one: read the first “grouping”, then repeat it without the paper. Then read the first and second “grouping” and then say it without the paper. Then read the first, second and third “grouping” and then repeat with out the paper. Go through the poem that way first. (It’s usually the ending that is the hardest to remember so it could take concentrating on the ending more.) Repeat that process until you can say all of it with out the paper. Repeat the poem aloud 3 times. If you can not, start all over!
It’s important to take a 20- to 30-minute break once it is rough ly memorized. Relax your brain by doing something you enjoy. After the break, see if you still have it. If not, work on the sections that cause trouble. Take another break before you try recording it. That way you can practice “osmosis” by listening to it even while you sleep!
Walk around the room while you are studying and repeating as that forces both the right and the left brain to work at memorizing!
For Visual Learners:
Begin in a peaceful environment with no distractions. Color code key words. (bilous green, yellow, etc. help “set” these words in y our mind. Put a “post0it” or small card in a location you frequent, such as the bedroom door. Read it every time you pass by. Frequently write and rewrite the poem. (in sections) Find someone to study with who has the same poem. Draw diagrams/graphs, write out explanations. Also walk around while studying and repeating to use both halves of the brain. Focus on important key words.
For Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:
Try to be creative, pretending to be the main character in the poem, mimicing or picturing yourself as that character. (Stanislovsky) Take key words and put them on flash cards with stickers or drawings (anything visual to represent what’s on the flashcard), scramble them and try to put them in order. It’s a good idea to write the sequence down first so you’ll be able to check that you have the right order. Some of the tips for visual and auditory learners should help, especially learning by association and repeating aloud as you walk around. A kinesthetic learner MUST be interactive with the material.
One of my students traced “footsteps” as flash cards which she laid out on the floor and walked around, seeing and saying outloud, as she stepped on each footstep!
TIPS:
Getting stressed just makes it harder so relax and try to make it fun. Working in sections just before sleeping keeps it fresher when you wake up. Often if you learn each section in a different room, it helps. Eating while you memorize stimulates the brain (not fatty foods like cookies, but perhaps raisins or a small biscuit to reward yourself after you learn each section.) Short, frequent breaks are important so you exercise which also stimulates the brain.
Things you’ll need (if possible):
A list of what you need to memorize.
A pen and a notebook.
A tape recorder.
The more you memorize, the easier it will be. The usual sequence: SEE it, SAY it, WRITE it, even ACT it out, SING it... Once you find what works for you, “go for it!”
Now, if you tell me what kind of learner you are, I may have more ideas. If you also tell me your textbook, I may have special sites for that.
¡Buena Suerte!
Sra (aka Mme)
Thanks for all that! I'm a visual learner, and in class right now we are not using our textbook because we are working on a Spanish country project, but we have to memorize some lines in Spanish for our presentation. So far this has really helped, thanks again!
Helen
I just wanted to mention politely that I am a girl.
Of course! Learning new languages can be challenging, but there are several techniques and strategies that can help you remember and make the process more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to help with studying Spanish:
1. Use flashcards: Flashcards are a common and effective study tool. Write Spanish words or phrases on one side and their translations on the other. Review the flashcards regularly and practice recalling the information.
2. Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonic devices are memory aids that can help you remember new vocabulary or grammar rules. For example, you can create acronyms or visual associations to help you recall words and concepts.
3. Practice with a language exchange partner: Find a native Spanish speaker who wants to learn your native language, and establish a language exchange partnership. This way, you can practice speaking Spanish while helping your partner learn your language. You can use language exchange apps or websites to find a partner.
4. Immerse yourself in the language: Surrounding yourself with Spanish as much as possible can aid in language acquisition. Listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies or TV shows, read Spanish books or articles, and try to incorporate Spanish into your daily life.
5. Use online resources: There are numerous websites, apps, and podcasts specifically designed to help you learn Spanish. Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise are popular language-learning apps that offer interactive lessons and exercises.
6. Join a Spanish study group or take a class: Working with others who are also learning Spanish can help create a supportive learning environment. You can practice speaking, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences.
7. Set realistic goals: Break your Spanish learning journey into smaller, achievable goals. For example, aim to learn a certain number of new words or phrases each week, or set a target for understanding a short conversation. Celebrate your progress as you go along.
Remember, language learning takes time and dedication. Be consistent with your efforts and find what works best for you. Stay motivated and make studying Spanish enjoyable by incorporating activities that align with your interests and learning style. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)