Students Reflect on Membean

March 4, 2016
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!

Maria has attended ODA since the seventh grade and is a currently a junior. While at ODA, she has participated in track and field, tennis, and is now...
Long live Membean. Woo-hoo.