Finwise Blog

How International Students Can Manage New Vocabulary in Class Efficiently

September 10, 2024NewWord Teamlearningproductivitylanguage

Capture Without Losing Focus

Start every lecture with a lightweight capture system. Keep a shared Google Doc or a Notion page open where you log unfamiliar terms in a two-column table:

| Word/Phrase | Context |
| ----------- | ------- |
| amortization schedule | Finance 201, Week 4 lecture |

Add a quick context note (chapter, slide, or example) so you can revisit the concept later without rereading the entire section.

Organize by Theme After Class

Directly after class, spend 10 minutes tagging each new item with a theme such as finance, statistics, or campus life. Students using the NewWord landing page template can showcase these themes under src/data/benefits.ts, aligning product messaging with real student needs.

  • Move words into themed lists inside your spaced-repetition tool.
  • Flag critical terms with a star so they surface in daily reviews.

Reinforce With Micro Reviews

Block two 15-minute review windows each day. Mix these approaches:

  1. Flashcard loops using digital decks synced from the capture template.
  2. Usage journaling: write two sentences with each new term, focusing on class-relevant contexts.
  3. Peer quizzing: exchange themed lists with classmates to expose gaps in understanding.

Apply Vocabulary in Real Time

During the next lecture, challenge yourself to reuse one new term per topic, either in a question to the instructor or in group discussions. This builds confidence and cements the vocabulary.

By pairing a low-friction capture habit with quick thematic organization and consistent micro reviews, international students can convert new vocabulary into active language skills within a single week.