App review by Leslie Crenna, Common Sense Education | Updated March 2013
Vocab Smart
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Vocab Smart

Confusing definitions throw otherwise cool vocab study off track

Get it now
  • Download on Google Play
  • Download on Amazon
Learning rating
Editorial review by Common Sense Education
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Grades
6–12 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
English Language Arts, Critical Thinking
Price:  Free, Paid
Platforms:  Android, Kindle Fire
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Take a look inside

5 images
Main menu with word of the day display.
ALL list in the F section showing quick browsing scroll bar at right and button to add word.
Flashcard mode on word divert, word number 1507 of 5274, and shuffle mode on.
Testing mode showing definition for dexterity and four word choices at bottom plus evaluation for performance on previous word municipal.
Statistics page shows a very poor performance of 39.7% overall with 250 of 629 correct plus statistics for three lists including ALL.

Pros: Clean design, empowering flexibility, large initial set of words included in the free version.

Cons: Content is surprisingly inconsistent, and age-inappropriate ads overwhelm.

Bottom Line: Sharp foundation that needs some refinement; honestly, they need a better dictionary.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

While there are more reliable vocab apps out there, you could use this as a challenge for advanced students who can confirm or reject Vocab Smart's sometimes weird definitions. Creating their own definitions is a great brain stretcher for any student and can get them to deeply consider meaning and interpretation.

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Standards:

Vocab Smart is a solid and flexible vocabulary flashcard and testing app that could use more precise content and fewer ads. Tweens and teens can add to the existing 5,000+ middle and high school-level words in new stacks, as well as edit existing definitions. Flashcard mode allows easy swipe study with shuffle option, and testing mode creates good stats like time and percent correct. Performance statistics give overall numbers that can include previous sessions, per each list, as well as "trend," which seems to mean each testing session. As a bit of icing, the Dictionary.com word of the day displays on the main menu.

In flashcard mode, kids can choose shuffle or study words in alphabetical order. Either way, teens can easily search for a particular word or beginning letter with the scroll bar. Each card shows the word with instruction to tap to flip for definition. In Vocab Builder testing mode, teens are presented with a definition and four possible matching words. Correct or incorrect responses are displayed prominently with "Correct" and a green check or "Wrong" and a red X at the top of the following test item.

Unfortunately, the connection to Dictionary.com extends no further than the word of the day. Part of speech info is completely missing and definitions are occasionally quite lacking, which can lead to frustrating and confusing incorrect answers. Thankfully, the ability to edit definitions allows kids to shape their own learning and pursue refined meaning through reference to trusted sources (although it's a bummer that this isn't one of those sources). If you don't spring for the paid version, video ads for adult-oriented products like Old Spice and acid reflux medicine may interrupt kids while they're working.

Overall Rating
Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Design is colorful, with a well-organized main menu, but ads interrupt and distract in free version.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Flexible features empower teens to refine poor definitions; the lack of clarity may frustrate some kids.

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

Navigation is quick and easy, but constant ads will distract kids with short attention spans.

Common Sense reviewer
Leslie Crenna
See how we rate and review

Key Standards Supported

Language

  • L.6.4.C

    Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

  • L.6.5

    Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • L.7.4c

    Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

  • L.7.5

    Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • L.8.4c

    Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

  • L.8.5

    Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • L.9-10.4c

    Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.

  • L.9-10.5

    Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • L.11-12.4c

    Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.

  • L.11-12.5a

    Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

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