Other Memory Aids     (click here to print a document of this page)
Personalization
No two people in the world have the same vocabulary because everybody has different interests and experiences. In addition to the vocabulary contained in your learning materials, you should make an effort to learn words in the foreign language that reflect your own interests and expertise.

Since you need to learn many thousands of words to become a competent speaker of the language you are studying, it is a good idea to develop a plan for learning new words every day besides those included in your lessons. If you are a beginner, set up a schedule for learning numbers one day,colors the other, foods the third, and so o. You can also supplement the vocabulary in your textbook. For instance, if it gives the word for cold, learn the word for hot as well.

Review
Even though your self-test revealed perfect recall, chances are that by the next day you will have forgotten part of the material. Unlike computers, human beings tend to forget over time. Therefore, one of the keys to successful language study is regular reviewing of previously learned material.

Spaced Practice
Spaced practice leads to better long-term recall. Long periods of study are less helpful for long-term retention to foreign language learners than shorter but more frequent study periods.

Real-Life Practice
When material learned in one context is retrieved in another, memory performance tends to suffer. Military training, therefore, always includes practice under conditions that simulate those in the battle field. Language skills learned in the highly familiar and safe cocoon of the classroom tend to disintegrate in the more stressful real-life communication conditions. Participation in real-life communicative situations during language training is a must. Seek out as many opportunities for real-life practice as you can possibly find. Try to use the material you have learned in real-life situations.

Source:
The above learning strategy and others are developed and provided by Irene Thompson of NFLRC at University of Hawaii at Manoa.