Learning Language and Memory Skills Outside of the Classroom

Children learn languages much faster than adults, so learning another language – such as Spanish; can be easier when they are young. As a matter of fact, with our shrinking world due to technology and networking learning another language can be very useful tool in the job market as well as socially. Since many countries speak Spanish, it is a good choice to begin.

We all learn differently – some try to use memorization, while others use a blend of memorization and association. Some learn better by doing hands on projects, while others by listening to sounds. Over 80% of us first learn language through memorizing of the basics. We associate words with items we can visualize or hear, and we are able to retain our memory through repetition. This is the same whether we are learning English, Spanish or Swahili.

Most teachers, when asked what the most important skill for beginning language students, will say: “Their ability to memorize.” The problem is, not everyone is able to retain as well as others. It may take some experimentation, but once your learning niche is found you can breeze through those vocabulary words.

Most teachers have never thought to use humor as a tool!

When teaching our children how to speak for the first time, many parents use a process called “Mnemonics,” although we never actually heard of the word. Mnemonics is the use of rhymes and wacky phrases that will make the child laugh. Often this is done with music (Example: The song “Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes” teaches the parts of the body). Mnemonics is creative, and anyone learning a new skill, like a language, will retain more if they are involved in ways to help themselves how to remember.

Older children learn by the use of “Acronyms” (Example: When trying to learn the Great Lakes students are told to remember the word “HOMES,” which stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior), or “Acrostics” (using the first letter of each word in a sentence to help learners retrieve a list of words (Example: "Every Good Boy Does Fine" is taught as an easy way to recall the notes in a musical scale). Note: with the advent of “texting,” people of all ages are using acronyms on a daily basis!

“Students need different approaches that appeal to their individual styles and that’s what the mnemonic method offers. Fun comics and wacky phrases are always a big hit in class,” says Jim Sarris, author of Comic Mnemonics for Spanish Verbs. Sarris’ book is a wacky learning took that utilizes the mnemonic method to help students memorize Spanish verbs. He was recently updated his lessons to include video tutorials, flash cards and crossword puzzles for those trying to learn Spanish.

The Midwest Book Review states that Sarris’ book is: “ Profusely illustrated, with one hundred instances of cartoon style artwork… (Sariss’ book) is a vocabulary building guide that uses simple, humorous line drawings and whimsical catch phrases to help students of Spanish memorize verbs such as "viajar" to travel: "on Mars, they travel via jars." Conjugation and grammar reviews for each verb help reinforce memorization and understanding of these verbs, all of which are common-use words vital for anyone striving to gain a working command of the Spanish language. Highly recommended for self-study, student use, review, or just plain fun.”

According to Sarris, “One of the biggest problems in beginner Spanish classes lies with the teachers that still rely on the “rote memory” method, leaving many students begging for something more effective.”

Dr. Joel Levin, Educational Psychologist at the University of Arizona, has been working on mnemonic strategies scientific research for the last 25 years and says that studies have “proven time and again to be dramatically more effective memory enhancers than both rote learning and other vocabulary-acquisition technique. Mnemonics is the perfect answer, and it’s been proven again and again in published studies.”

“If schools don’t offer varied approaches to learning that reach out to more kids, then parents need to get involved,” says Sarris. “That may include speaking with the teacher and the department chair, or it may mean finding affordable resources that can help now.”

Comic Mnemonics and mnemonic strategies are exceptional memory techniques, for learning Spanish or any language, as well as improving study skills in other areas, that allows students to understand, learn and retain their subject matter in a unique, simple and fun way.

Resources:

(PRWEB) March 14, 2006

Amazon.com – Comic Mnemonics for Spanish Verbs: http://amazon.com

Mnemonic Strategies - http://education.calumet.purdue.edu/vockell/edPsybook/Edpsy6/edpsy6_mnemonics.htm