Instructions for getting maximum efficiency from Vocabulous.

Saludos a todos;

I just returned from a six-week stay in Mexico where I picked up another +/- 500 words.  I had a lot of time to study and I believe I have perfected the best method of using Vocabulous so as to get the most benefit for each hour you devote to the program.  The  system revolves around three specific files and so is called the "Three File System".

The three files are CURRENT.VDB,  MAIN.VDB and RELEARN.VDB.  

The  first two are created by you and you can give them any name that suits you.  The third is created automatically and is the key to maximizing return for effort.

File one, current.vdb, is the list of words you are attempting to memorize.  I recommend that this file contain at least twenty and not more that one hundred words.  This is the file that you will want to play until you have mastered it.  Consider that you have mastered current.vdb when you consistently score more than 90 while playing.  Any words that you missed from the current file will be copied to the relearn file so you haven't lost any words when you delete the current file.

File two, main.vdb, is your master list.  As you learn all the words in current.vdb you combine it with the main file and start a new current.vdb.  The button for combining files is located under the Manage File button. I recommend you play the main.vdb file at least once a month for at least twenty minutes.  If words turn up that you have forgotten, the program will automatically copy them onto the RELEARN.VDB file.

File three, RELEARN.VDB, completes the set.  This file is automatically created by the program.  It contains words that you are having trouble remembering. Once you feel you have mastered a word in the relearn file, simply delete that word with a click of a button so that the file remains up to date on your problem words.  I recommend you play through this file at least once each time you study with Vocabulous.

In brief:  Each time you study with Vocabulous, play the current.vdb file three or four times, then play RELEARN.VDB at least once.  Once a month or so, play main.vdb for as long as it doesn't bore you.  It is more fun than solitaire, but if you play it to the point of boredom you won't be learning much and you may get tired of playing at all.

All the best.  I love hearing from you.

Jack
vocabulous@hotmail.com 