The Ultimate System to Never Forget New Vocabulary Again

Have you ever been in a conversation and felt frustrated that you tried to use a new word that you have learned so many times even when you hear someone else use it you can easily recognise the word but you can never seem to use that word in a real life situation? Then this ultimate system to never forget vocabulary again will ensure that this won’t happen again. You will be able to speak naturally and use all the words you have stored in your brain over the years that you have been learning English.

Introduction

Explanation of why forgetting vocabulary is a common problem

Learning new vocabulary can be challenging, especially when it comes to retaining it. We’ve all experienced the frustration of studying hard and feeling confident in our knowledge, only to find ourselves struggling to remember new words a few days later. Whether you’re learning a new language or studying for a test, forgetting new vocabulary can be a common problem.

However, retaining new vocabulary is critical to mastering a language or succeeding in academic pursuits or for business purposes. Every word you learn builds on your existing knowledge, and a strong vocabulary can improve your communication skills, boost your confidence, and expand your opportunities. So, how can you make sure that you never forget new vocabulary again?

In this blog post, we’ll share the ultimate system for retaining new vocabulary and improving your recall. We’ll explore the science of memory and retention, offer strategies for creating a personalized vocabulary list, and provide tips for engaging with new vocabulary and building on existing knowledge. Additionally, we’ll share advice on staying motivated and consistent in your vocabulary studies. By following these strategies, you can develop a comprehensive approach to learning and retaining new vocabulary that will help you succeed in any language or academic pursuit.

The science of memory and retention

To improve your retention of new vocabulary, it’s essential to understand how memory works. Memory is a complex process that involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. When you encounter new information, such as a new word, your brain must encode it by creating a neural pathway. This process requires attention and repetition to strengthen the pathway and make the memory more durable. Once the memory is encoded, it is stored in your long-term memory. However, retrieving the memory can be challenging, especially if the memory is not well-encoded or if it has faded over time.

To improve your retention of new vocabulary, you can use strategies that leverage the science of memory and retention. Two effective strategies are spaced repetition and active recall.

Spaced repetition involves reviewing new words at specific intervals, increasing the intervals as you become more familiar with the words. This technique helps encode memories more deeply and strengthens neural pathways. There are many apps and tools available that use spaced repetition, such as Anki, Memrise, and Duolingo.

Active recall involves actively retrieving information from memory, rather than simply re-reading or reviewing it. This technique helps strengthen the memory by forcing your brain to work harder to retrieve the information. One effective way to use active recall is to create flashcards with a word on one side and its definition on the other. Test yourself regularly by trying to recall the definition before flipping the card over.

By using spaced repetition and active recall, you can improve your retention of new vocabulary and make the memories more durable. Additionally, these techniques can help you optimize your study time and avoid the frustration of forgetting new words soon after learning them.

Creating a personalized vocabulary list

The most effective strategy for retaining new vocabulary is to create a personalized vocabulary list. By tailoring your list to your individual needs and preferences, you can make the learning process more engaging and effective. Here are some tips for creating a list that works for you:

Start with a manageable number of words: It’s tempting to add as many new words as possible to your list, but this can quickly become overwhelming. Start with a small number of words that you can comfortably study and retain.
Choose words that are relevant to your goals: If you’re studying a new language, focus on words that are commonly used and relevant to your interests and needs. If you’re studying for a test, prioritize words that are likely to appear on the exam.
Use a variety of sources: Don’t rely solely on textbooks or word lists. Look for new words in books, articles, movies, and conversations. This will help you encounter words in context and make them more memorable.
Organize your list: Consider organizing your list by topic or theme, such as food, travel, or business. This can help you make connections between related words and concepts.
Review regularly: Make a habit of reviewing your list regularly, using techniques such as spaced repetition and active recall. By reviewing consistently, you can strengthen your neural pathways and improve your retention of new vocabulary.

There are many tools and apps available to help you create and study your vocabulary list, I recommend that they have the Spaced Repetition technology. My two favourites at the moment are Anki deck and Brainscape. Experiment with different approaches and find the method that works best for you but my clients have found these very effective.

Engaging with new vocabulary and building on existing knowledge

Chunk the information into a range of topics that you want to talk about. Start with your interests and what you feel passionate talking about. This way you will be motivated to learn and the information always sticks better when we are engaged in the learning process emotionally.

Learning new vocabulary is not just about memorization. It’s also about engaging with the language and building on existing knowledge. Here are some tips for making the learning process more interactive and engaging:

Use new words in context: Rather than just memorizing definitions, try using new words in sentences or conversations. This will help you understand how the word is used in context and make it more memorable.
Make connections between words: Look for connections between new words and words you already know. This can help you build on existing knowledge and make new words more memorable. For example, if you’re learning the word “pedestrian,” you could make a connection to the word “pedal,” which relates to walking or moving on foot.
Engage with multimedia: Watch movies or TV shows in the language you’re learning, listen to podcasts or music, or read books or articles. This will expose you to new words in context and make the learning process more enjoyable.
Practice speaking and writing: Use new words in conversation or in writing. This will help you reinforce the memory and build confidence in using the language.
Join a study group: Joining a study group or language exchange program can help you practice speaking and listening, and provide a supportive community of learners.

By engaging with new vocabulary and building on existing knowledge, you can make the learning process more effective and enjoyable. Additionally, by using a variety of techniques and resources, you can improve your retention of new words and develop a comprehensive approach to language learning.

Staying motivated and tracking progress

Since spaced repetition systems are designed to only recall the information that the brain is finding it difficult to retain, you will be less bored repeating the same words over and over again like a classical flash card system.

Also the spaced repetition system is designed to see your progress, as the weeks go by the number of words that you will recall will grow and the number of repetitions on the target vocabulary will become less intense. This will give the brain the signal that you are progressing and keep you motivate to keep improving.

Put it into practice

This step is where most people fall off course. They learn some vocabulary and they don’t know exactly where or when to use it. It’s crucial to put new vocabulary into practice by using it in real-life situations, such as conversations and writing. Many language learners fail to develop the output portion of their brain, which refers to the ability to use language effectively in communication. Even if they understand new words when reading or listening, they may struggle to use them in their own speech or writing. This can happen if they don’t practice using new vocabulary regularly. To truly internalize new vocabulary, it’s important to use it in real-life situations, talk about the topics you are learning, and try to incorporate new words into your daily conversations. By doing so, you can develop the output portion of your brain and become more confident and proficient in using new vocabulary in your daily life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, forgetting new vocabulary can be frustrating, but there are many effective strategies to help you retain and recall new words. By using a comprehensive approach that includes exposure, repetition, personalization, engagement, and review, you can improve your retention and recall of new vocabulary. By using a variety of resources such as flashcards, personalized vocabulary lists, multimedia, and study groups, you can create a personalized learning experience that works for you. Remember that learning a new language is a lifelong process, and it takes time and practice to become fluent. But with persistence and the right strategies, you can develop a deep and lasting understanding of new vocabulary, and take your language skills to new heights. So, start implementing these strategies and never forget new vocabulary again!