Among the many things students do on a Thursday night, finishing the 45 minute weekly requirement for Membean takes precedence for many students.

Membean is a website dedicated solely to strengthen a students vocabulary by stimulating engaging activities to help students retain what they learned. You spell, match, and do sentence structure to develop a deeper understanding of not only the meaning of the word, but the root, and ways to use it in a sentence.

This is the second year Membean has been a part of ODA curriculum and many teachers have noticed a difference in students’ vocabulary.

“I think there are a lot of positives, foremost of which is the individual nature of Membean. The fact that every student can get a vocabulary list that is designed to fit his or her comfort level with words is a neat thing. One thing I don’t like is that I can’t really teach vocabulary like in the old days when it was a lot easier to do with books. I prefer to take out vocabulary words from the novels we read but I do believe Membean is a handy way to work on vocabulary two or three times a week. Ultimately I do believe the best way to develop vocabulary worlds is for that person to read and write a lot,” says English teacher, Mr. Naylor.

“I love Membean because its a lot better than having to learn vocabulary out of a book. I think it’s very helpful,” says junior Greta Holland.

“I like Membean because the vocabulary quizzes are really easy and it provides a grade. It increases my vocabulary and my friends and I think its funny when we use a word no one knows and we just say it’s a “Membean word.” I usually do all the Membean homework at the beginning of the week,” says sophomore Matthew Jones.

However, other students feel that Membean is not helpful and unnecessary.

“No I do not like Membean because my teacher makes me do 45 minutes a week, and it’s ridiculous. I don’t think it is helpful because most people don’t pay attention when they’re doing the training,” says senior Trenton Radigan.

“I hate Membean because I didn’t have to study for vocabulary before and Membean forces me to study which is time consuming. I do think its helpful though,” says sophomore Ian Martin.

The verdict from the English Department seems pretty clear: Not only will high school students continue, but Membean is being brought to middle school as well. Time to buckle down and reach that magical level six!