There are many different ways to learn new things, for example vocabulary. On this site alone there are "Maps", vocabulary cards (which can also be used as lists) and interactive exercises. The important thing is to find out what works best for you.

Let's take a closer look at the different possibilities offered here.

The vocabulary maps are based on techniques such as concept mapping (also called knowledge mapping) and Mind Mapping. Both are used to display ideas, concepts or knowledge in graphical patterns that both sides of your brain can quickly understand. This way the left side of your brain, which is responsible for logical thought, and the right side which is more for visual and creative thought, work together. They work the way the memory does - not in a linear manner, but via association. Using key words and images they allow associations and links to be shown very visually. For many people this makes words and ideas easier to remember.

What are Mind Mapping and concept mapping?

Mind Mapping® was developed and copyrighted by Tony Buzan in the UK. He wanted a way to help students make notes which were quicker and easier to remember and review. He describes it as consisting "of a central word or concept, around the central word you draw the 5 to 10 main ideas that relate to that word. You then take each of those child words and again draw the 5 to 10 main idea that relate to each of those words."

Concept or knowledge mapping was developed by Prof. Joseph D. Novak at Cornell University. While a mind map has only one main concept, a concept map may have several. It is a graphical network of different concepts and stresses the importance of prior knowledge in order to be able to learn about new concepts and assimilate them into existing structures.

I chose to use such mapping techniques for the vocabulary because I have found that people usually do not need one word, but many different words associated with a certain topic. Personally I find it easier to learn and review all of the associated vocabulary if it is presented in such a graphic format rather than a list. (To learn more please read the Topics: Vocabulary Maps and Small Talk Maps.)

For those of you who like lists, however, we offer them as well. (Simply get the vocabulary card file and convert the table back to text.) You have probably used lists before. There are different ways of learning new words with them, such as writing definitions, translations or example sentences next to the words and then testing yourself by covering one side and trying to remember what it was. Just be careful that you learn the words and not the order of words in the list. What I highly recommend is using the lists to create vocabulary cards of the words that you don't know or have a hard time remembering. Vocabulary cards are available via Email. There are instructions included for making them into vocabulary cards. If there is no back side of the cards, just write the English definition or a translation of the word on the other side. Then practice! (If you would like some information on a good way to use vocabulary cards, read the topic vocabulary cards.)

The interactive exercises, such as the crossword puzzles, are for testing yourself. I usually recommend trying them after you have learnt the vocabulary.

Let us know what works best for you or suggest other methods if you know of any. We're always looking for new ideas.