I can't seem to remember what a lot of words mean. I was always great at memorizing vocab words in French and English. I'd look at the words minutes before the teacher entered the room to give a test and I'd get an A-all the time! The words never stuck in my mind though. Am I just paying the price for not really studying? I have the vocab of a 5 year old. I don't read much, don't socialize much, but I'm a senior in college. Anyone else have this problem?
2007-07-13 08:56:35 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I'll just re-iterate the suggestion that you read more. Reading is a great way to increase your vocabulary. Memorizing words out of context is a very difficult way to learn new words. Words make it into your known vocabulary by reading and speaking them. If you are reading and come across an unfamiliar word first figure out what the meaning seems to be from the context, then look the word up in a dictionary, find some sentences used as examples of how the word is used, and then make up some sentences that use the word appropriately. If you want to remember a word and keep it in your vocabulary you need to use it again several times in the following few days.
2007-07-19 06:36:37 · answer #1 · answered by treebird 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Theresa's answer is right on the mark. The words made it into your short term memory but not your long term memory. Some study techniques that help with this include reviewing the content several times. The more frequently you go over it, the more familiar it gets. Also, if you actively use the content in some way--writing about it, writing up a study sheet for yourself, or helping a friend study--then that also helps make the learning permanent.
There actually is a right way to study, and you probably haven't used it.
Or maybe I should amend what I just said...There are several different learning styles. The trick is to find out which one you are and use that style in your future studies.
There is a right way to study "for you." For someone else it may be different.
This will help you determine your learning style:
http://www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm
More about learning styles:
http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/student/loon/acad/strat/lrnsty.html
Learning style pdf here: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/army/rotc_learning_style.pdf
http://www.studygs.net/
2007-07-17 17:42:58 · answer #2 · answered by maî 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These words made it into your short-term memory, but not your long-term memory. That's the drawback of cramming.
Like any skill, you have to practice vocabulary to maintain proficiency. Reading is an excellent way to do this, because you see the words in context. Or try visual stimulation - get a word-a-day calendar or post vocab lists around your home (next to the toilet is a great place, you always have a few minutes of "quality time" to spare there!).
2007-07-13 16:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no u'r not dumb.. 80% of student memorize vocab like that .. who will learn the meanings of 1500 words.. duh.. thats stupidity..
i cant even memorize worrds easily .. i tried to do so for my aptitute test prep..
the best way to have good vocab..
go to dictionary.com.. learn 1- 2 meaning each day.. and try to use them in every possible sentence ..or associate words with different personalities.. put them in your compositions as well
for example
FLIBBERTIGGIBET : means a person who talks senceless..
a splitted brain person.. i call my gonna gonna be mother in law flibbi..hehee.. now i can never forget the meaning
hehee..
2007-07-13 16:19:15 · answer #4 · answered by confusions 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The brain only learns if you use it. Hey, if you didn't walk, your legs wouldn't work either. Suggest you start reading and paying attention to what you read and think about what you read. Socializing will help too if you socialize with people that are intelligent and know how to converse about interesting things.
Get it together.
2007-07-13 16:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by yancychipper 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Happens to me all the time. I don't socialize or read much either, I guess that's part of the reason why.
I'm not in college though.
It doesn't mean we're stupid, it just means that our vocabulary is "out of shape". Kinda like how lack of exercise would get our bodies out of shape.
2007-07-19 17:53:14 · answer #6 · answered by RNH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are probably an idiot savant.
*definition from google
An autistic savant (more commonly known as an idiot savant) is a person who expresses extraordinary mental abilities, often in the fields of numerical calculation (not to be confused with mathematics) (see also mental calculator), art, or music but usually set within the context of autism or mental retardation.
person who is mentally retarded in general but who displays remarkable aptitude in some limited field
2007-07-13 16:07:04 · answer #7 · answered by michaelgamboa_80 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋