How to Study Spanish

Many people think that "studying" means staring at a page until you learn the information.  This method does not work for most people and does not ensure that you UNDERSTAND it and can USE it.  Since, in Spanish class, you are expected to 1) listen and understand, 2) read and understand, 3) speak and be understood and 4) write and be understood, you must study in ways that practice ALL 4 SKILLS.  Below is a list of techniques that you can use in your daily study to REALLY LEARN the information presented and practiced in class.  Know that you will need to use a variety of techniques depending on the type of material you need to learn.

How much time should you invest in practice outside of class?  That depends a lot on 2 things:  1)  the amount of effort you put into class and 2)  your individual skills and needs.  In general, I advise 10-20 minutes a day.  If you have given 100% during class and you feel confident with the material, 10 minutes should do.  If you are a bit uncomfortable with the material, you'll want to invest a little more time.  If you put little effort into class, you pay the price by having to invest at least an extra 20 minutes at home.  Regardless of the amount of time you need to practice, break up your study sessions into 5 - 10 minute chunks.  The rest and repitition will do more for you than "cramming" for an hour!
  • Use a website to practice the skill that you need:  http://www.conjuguemos.com/ for practicing verb conjugation and spelling vocabulary, http://www.studystack.com/ for practicing recognition of vocabulary, http://www.phschool.com/ for verb and vocabulary usage, listening recognition and speaking practice of vocabulary.
  • Practice and study with a classmate, friend or family member.  By discussing concepts with another person, you cement your knowledge.
  • Teach a friend or family member what you are learning in class.  Again, having to talk out loud and make someone else understand the knowledge you have in your head cements the concepts for you.
  • Write the vocabulary.  Consider creating a journal and writing Spanish sentences with your vocabulary.
  • Say the vocabulary out loud as you are studying it.
  • Trouble spelling Spanish words?  Sailboat!  Example:  el libro you write: 
                   l
                   li
                   lib
                   libr
                   libro
  • If you are confident with the material, consider watching Spanish tv or reading a Spanish book or website to help stretch and strengthen your knowledge.
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