Creating a Vocabulary List
Creating a vocabulary list is key to ensuring you remember new terms that you will encounter in your program. A vocabulary list can also help students who have auditory processing deficits as the list can help fill in the gaps of information you are taking in during lectures, labs or other academic activities.
Most programs have their own vocabulary (i.e. medical programs, engineering, math, sports). Having a way to look up vocabulary quickly may help you to remember it better or increase your comprehension. It is a good idea to create vocabulary lists specific to each course, as well as larger lists for terms within the same subject area (e.g. psychology, sociology).
There’s an App for That!
There are many mobile apps that can help with vocabulary. There are apps that help build vocabulary, allow you to create flashcards, or allow you to look up words in a dictionary.
Using Microsoft Word (see Vocabulary Table.docx)
You can use Microsoft Word to keep your list of new words.
- Create a table with 3 columns. Label these “Term”, “Definition”, and “Example/Supporting Points” from right to left.
- Make the term column narrower.
- Write 1 term per row.
- Write the definition in your own words.
- Include an example to ensure you understand the word.
- For a quick search, press CTRL + F.
- Colour code words as your memory improves.
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Green = know, no review needed
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Yellow = somewhat know, need some review
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Red = don’t know, need most review
| Term | Definition | Example/Supporting Points |
| Personality | Distinct characteristics or qualities of a person | The way a person feels and interacts with the world shapes their personality (i.e. person eats gross hot dog -> they hate hot dogs) |
| Hypothesis | A testable prediction that can be observed and measured | Must be testable; can be proved or rejected through experimentation |
Do you use Kurzweil?
Kurzweil Academy: Learn how to create a vocabulary study guide to increase comprehension.