I think I’m safe in assuming that actively studying vocabulary isn’t very popular for most people. It’s something that is often tedious and associated with rote memorisation. This doesn’t have to be the case as there are a few other popular methods out there. Your best bet is to fiddle around and find out what works best for you.
For some, rote memorisation is the most effective. For others, they use a mnemonics, space-repetition software (SRS), word lists, continuous and extensive reading, watching TV with a notebook… the list is endless. This article will mostly look at SRS / flashcards and word lists as continuous and extensive reading needs it’s own place.
First up, what is SRS? Well, it’s just some software that simulates old-fashioned flashcards working on the Leitner Box system; that is, your cards start at level 1 and each time you find it easier, you move it up a level until you reach level 5. Level 1 cards are shown more frequently than level 2 cards, and even more frequently than level 3 cards and so on. This ensures that you see cards you don’t fully know more often than cards you have a moderate or complete understanding of that only need to be reviewed.
There are a few free programs available online (I have Anki and have used Mnemosyne in the past) and some can even be used via a USB flash drive for portability. Personally, I still prefer the feel of card in my hard, managing my own deck of cards and doing manual repetitions with flashcards, but they are sometimes time-consuming to prepare. SRS software is as easy as typing the words in and hitting save.. so in our fast-food society, perhaps SRS will win. Having said that, you can’t exactly pull out your SRS software in a queue in the bank… so… ?
(there may be some portable device versions available, I’m not sure… if anyone knows the answer, please let me know)
There are a couple of ways to make flashcards (electronic or traditional). Some people prefer learning just the words. I find this often ineffective. Many people believe that you should learn words in context, so it’s best to have an example sentence or phrase on hand. This way you’re not only being exposed to the word you wish to acquire, but also some useful grammatical usage. Even more useful if it’s a phrase of direct interest to you (this is much like sentence mining in Khatzumoto’s 10000 Sentence Method). This way you’re not only getting the word but also a phrase you can slip direct into conversation.
Now for word lists. I actually really like word lists. It’s kind of rote learning… but also not. The process is pretty simple… You find some words you want to learn from your usual sources and write them down in a list 
No, ok.. not quite. I like using a small notebook, about 20 lines (some people prefer around 10 lines per series). Divide your page into two or three columns just by folding; no need to rule pretty lines in red since you’re not in primary school.
- In the first column write down you target language, second column is in a language you understand (maybe L1?), and the third column you can leave blank for now.
- Fold over your paper so only one column is showing and go through the first column trying to say the translation or meaning of the word. You can check your answers if you’re note sure or for confirmation.
- Now try it back it in the other direction; L1 to target language. Keep on going until you think you have them under control and move on to some new words in a new list.
- Once you’re done with your new list, go back to the beginning and review your earlier list. This is where I may use the third column. Work from column two (L1) to target language verbally, and try to write the target vocabulary in the third column. This will check your comprehension through spelling.
If you have any variations to these or totally different concepts that you find integral to your language learning, then please post a comment to let us all know 
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