Learning New Vocabulary: A Technique to Consider

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Learning New Vocabulary
A Technique to Consider

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Overview
One of the most challenging parts of learning language is learning new words, expressions, colloquial expressions, idioms, and so forth. Although there is no ‘magic pill’, or perfect solution to this, there are a few techniques that can be provided toward the study of new language you want to learn. In this handout, you will be introduced to one of those techniques – keeping a vocabulary log - which is similar to the idea of keeping a journal, only your entries will be vocabulary items.

The Vocabulary Log

What is it? This log is an attempt to keep a running record of new language you come across, combined with a tool you can make practical use of to study new language. This should become an important reference and vocabulary self-study method as you work on incorporating the use of new language items into your spoken and written English.

Criteria

Each entry you make in your vocabulary log should have the following information in it.
1.     Date of entry: (it is good to keep track of how often you are doing this)
2.     Type of entry: Where did the entry come from? A lecture, video case, the instructions? Or maybe this is from an outside source such as another online source, a conversation, TV, a movie, etc.? The possibilities are limitless!
3.     Content of entry: Divide your paper into two, therefore you will have a left side and a right side. The following information is recommended for both sides:
a.      Left side: This is where you will put the word, phrase, expression, etc…In addition, include the entry date and source of the entry.
b.     Right side: This is where you will write the sentence from the context you found it; the part of speech when used in this context; a dictionary definition (optional); your own sentence (your practice); and word forms, or other forms of the word from the same word.
Please take a look at the following example:

Left Side of Paper

Right Side of Paper
January 25, 2016
Academic Reading
 
 
ELICIT








Sentence from Lecture
Marketers identify persons with the appropriate income levels and target these individuals when trying to elicit sales.
Part of Speech
VERB
Definition
Trying to encourage or bring on. 
Practice Sentence
The teacher was able to elicit many answers from the students. They were a very intelligent group of people !
Other Word Forms (verbs, adjectives, adverbs, nouns)
Elicitation

4.     Number of entries: This is up to you really. Because this is a self-study tool, the number and amount depends on the new items you come across. We do suggest that you aim to collect a minimum of 5 new items a week. That means for a period of a 12 week course, you would have collected, studied, and learned how to use at least 60 new words or expressions. Of course you will come across many more new language items than this, but really learning how to USE the language is a different matter than passively seeing new vocabulary.
5.     Follow-up: Sometimes you will be asked to include new language you are learning in assignments. In addition, sometimes you will be asked to submit a few language items so that your English instructor can see how you are doing with this ongoing assignment.

Implications for Your Learning

This is an active approach to studying new language. This approach allows you to study and practice new language you encounter. Learning how to USE new language is a step- by-step process, and this technique is a step that could really make a difference in your ability to incorporate new language into your writing and speech. We realize that every learner has his or her approach to learning that works best, but we hope this technique will work for you. Give it a try and see how your vocabulary gradually grows.  




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