I am going through NPCR on self study.
Should I add words for a chapter in Skritter, study them and then read the chapter or vice versa?

Also why does skritter keep holding on to words I have added for hours. For example few words I added two days back don't show up for study. Isn't it strange?
I am manually adding words.

Also in case i manually add words does Skritter try to achieve retention level(I have set mine to 87%)?

"Should I add words for a chapter in Skritter, study them and then read the chapter or vice versa? "

Do the chapter first. It's easier to remember words and characters when you know how to use them etc.

"For example few words I added two days back don't show up for study."

If you want to see them sooner, make sure the first time you see the new word you tell Skritter that you don't know it.

"Also in case i manually add words does Skritter try to achieve retention level"

Retention level is to do with when it schedules reviews. So yes.

When studying I would always learn the new words/characters before class. Then tea through the chapter. Otherwise you have no idea what it is your reading or doing.

Different opinions on doing skritteryoutube first or the chapter..
Thanks for your views.

I agree with byzanti, it's better to first encounter a word or character in some context rather than trying to drill it without context. So if you want to review the vocab before you do the chapter, I wouldn't spend a lot of time on it; plan on going through it quickly to familiarize yourself, then dive into the chapter and refer back to the vocab sheet to clear up anything you don't understand, and only when you understand how things fit together should you start to drill items in earnest.

For some more ideas check out http://www.supermemo.com/articles/20rules.htm - rules 1 and 2 seem especially appropriate.

James

Sandeep, are you familiar with this link?: http://www.youtube.com/user/Chinese080808

You have playlists there for the first four NPCR books. I find a good approach to getting a bit of context in the beginning is to first watch the videos corresponding to a chapter a few times. One of the good things about NPCR is a lot of vocabulary repeats from one lesson to the next, so already in the first viewing you can recognise a word here and there.

Then, tackle the reading until you have a passing familiarity with the characters.

Finally, work on the writing with skritter.

You have probably noticed that every seventh lesson in NPCR is a review lesson. I had originally considered forbidding myself from adding new words on skritter before getting zero reviews due for a block of seven lessons, to make sure everything is cemented into my brain before moving on, but have not really stuck to my own rule.

Like byzanti and jww1066 said, it really a whole lot easier and faster to learn new words and grammar in context. I first read or watch one or two times, then study in skritter. Afterwards I go back and read 2 or 3 more times.

JWW1066, That was a really good link!

@Olaf I aim to please.