Uzbekistan Republic Termez state university Foreign philology faculty Course work Subject

5. Cognitive strategies
Ever heard of the Method of Loci? This strategy involves remembering words by associating them with different rooms in a house or pathways in a forest, which leverages research from psychology suggesting that we learn more efficiently when we associate new information with other bits of information. It doesn’t always have to be a place, though.

Imagine memorizing the meaning of the word “cognitive” by picturing a cog in a wheel, turning the mind around and around. That way, you’ll remember that “cognitive” means “mental” or “brain-based.” Some language learning methods leverage human psychology in this way to help new vocabulary and grammar stick. Another example is spaced learning versus cramming: your brain is far more likely to remember information for longer if you space out your learning over time than if you cram at the last minute for a test.

The same is true for language learning: practicing regularly over time is better than one intensive course per year. If you want to learn a new language in a way that engages your brain in the most natural way, a cognitive method might be best for you.

The downside to this method is that it depends on the accuracy of the latest research. For instance, some language learning providers rely on “learning styles theory” (kinesthetic, visual, auditory, etc.) to individualize lessons for students despite the fact that this theory is not backed by solid research in the psychology literature. The take-home message is to be aware of the research but ultimately pick and choose various parts of the method which work for you.

Everyone learns a little differently, so keep in mind what tends to work for most people while being honest with yourself about your own learning habits and preferences.

Whether you’re just beginning your language learning journey, switching methods, or looking to polish up your skills, choosing the right method will lead you to the right language learning course or software. You can also experiment with different methods before finding the right match. Either way, learning efficiently starts with a little research up-front, but it’s worth your time in the end.