Study Skills #4: Memory Palace for Language Learning
Learn from a former college professor how to create a “Memory Palace” to memorize tough-to-learn definite articles in Spanish (el/la), German (der/die/das), or French (le/la). Applicable to Italian, Portuguese, Dutch & many other languages.
Jennifer Bjornstad, PhD (German/Writing)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(194)
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
In English, knowing how to say “the” is easy. No matter what noun you’re talking about, it’s always “the”: the car, the banana, the book, the houseplant, the playground, the buffet table, the football stadium. In French, German, or Spanish, knowing how to say “the” is a lot harder! Depending on what noun you’re talking about, you have to make a choice: is it el or la estante? is it der, die, or das Baum? is it le or la voiture? (By the way, this is true for many other languages you might want to learn, such as Swedish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, or Greek.) Sometimes there are rules you can follow for which definite article to use for which noun, but often, you just have to memorize the fact that it’s el estante, der Baum, and la voiture. In this class, we will learn how to use an ancient memory tool, the Memory Palace, to consistently remember the proper definite article for each and every noun on your vocabulary list. Using this trick will instantly up your accuracy and comprehensibility, giving you loads of linguistic confidence. Making a Memory Palace in your mind—and then putting the words you wish to learn into it—is a fun and creative exercise! We will work through multiple examples together in Spanish, German, and French, making sure that everyone has a chance to practice with nouns in the language(s) they are studying. Every learner will leave the class with… + a clear understanding of how to make a Memory Palace + a clear understanding of how to make memorable visual associations (bizarre, exaggerated, colorful, and/or comical) + practice using the Memory Palace to remember the proper definite article for a noun + a concrete plan for putting more words into their Memory Palace Language of Instruction: English ----- By the way, any learner interested in improving their Study Skills should definitely check out my course called “Flashcard Genius.” The class details a study technique for memorized material that no college-bound student should be without. https://outschool.com/classes/study-skills-for-the-college-bound-flashcard-genius-UvSWoMYa https://outschool.com/classes/study-skills-for-the-college-bound-flashcard-genius-camp-version-CQfvnHaT
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
5.0
194reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Indiana Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Foreign Language
Doctoral Degree in Foreign Language from University of Wisconsin-Madison
I have been teaching German, composition, and arts & humanities for more than 25 years, and I speak German with near-native fluency. I have a PhD in German Literature and was the 2014 Indiana German Collegiate Teacher of the Year. I bring first-rate content knowledge and pedagogical expertise to the online classroom, plus a genuine love of working with young learners.
Because I have extensive experience at the college level, I know just where high school students are headed and can expertly help them as they prepare themselves for the next step. My focus on learning strategies and study skills is an added benefit, useful for any learner.
See my Profile Page for my resume.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-18 learners per class
