Kraut wrote:language learning methods scrutinizedhttps://universeofmemory.com/the-goldli ... -critique/THE GOLDLIST METHOD – A SCIENTIFIC CRITIQUE AND WHY IT’S A WASTE OF TIME
Here's an exchange about methods at times heated (in the discussion at the bottom). The author does not beat about the bush as to what he thinks is useless.
Ha! I guess I HAVE been wasting my time!
I've said several times I am not sold on the gold list method, but i keep doing it. The reasons, I think, are a bit if a refutation of the above, so I will list them and let anyone who bothers to read them evaluate:
1. The time in my schedule and the space in my brain available for intensive study is full. I have a language course; I take lessons on italki; I read intensively and extensively. This method allows me to list and study vocab without focused concentration. I have no doubt that focused concentration methods would be better, but I use this method when I just can focus that hard.
2. The list gives me great pools of info to study. I compile them from new vocab I consider important that I find in other methods, so the lists are great compilations if the things I think I should be studying. And if I want to choose another method I have a great customized resource.
3. The lists are self-cleaning. By having to remove 1/3 every distillation, I'm only reviewing the most important things I need to study.
4. I don't like flashcards and don't want to do them in physical or virtual form.
So there it is, not a defense if the gold list but rather an explanation of why I use it. If I were studying for a vocabulary test, it isn't the method I would use, but as a supplement to core study methods that lists and reviews vocab, I think it's alright.