Copyright © 2018
YurTopic
All rights reserved.
There has been a total of
About | Terms and Conditions |
Contact & Advertising Enquiries |
Copyright © 2018
YurTopic
All rights reserved.
There has been a total of
About | Terms and Conditions |
Contact & Advertising Enquiries |
ESL teachers are always on the lookout for tips on how to teach ESL students
vocabulary. This is because it is tough to convince students to talk, and even
more challenging to let them share something when their vocabulary is limited.
As a teacher in ESL classes, it is essential to try new techniques for
vocabulary learning to take place. Unfortunately, we often make the mistake of
introducing a new word yet forget to help students retain them by giving them
the opportunity to use them in class practically. It is of utmost importance
that educators in this type of classroom setting should always consider
vocabulary learning more than just recognizing and translating the words and
their meanings.
Pictures, colorful illustrations and even diagrams
make vocabulary learning easier. Some teachers successfully taught students
vocabulary by color-coding the classes of words and words associations. For
example, when teaching about the noun ‘garage’, the teacher might as well assign
colors to words with their pictures that can be directly linked to the
vocabulary. This strategy of word associations is known to help students learn
words or phrases faster than learning them independently. The use of pictures
helps create a mental image and develops the student’s semantic mapping. When
they encounter one of the words in this grouping, it is easier to recall other
related words.
As you introduce and discuss new words, give
students the opportunity to write them down on their notes. This will enable
them to retrieve information easily. Additionally, it will provide the chance
for students to take notes and even draw illustrations of words they can easily
understand. To motivate students to recall words even after the lecture, choose
some words from the list to be used for a spelling test the next week. When
routine spelling quizzes get boring, make use of games that test students’
memory on the words discussed. The more interactive the activity, the better
they will retain the words.
Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes a teacher can
commit when teaching vocabulary is choosing words not relevant to the learners. When students can relate to the vocabulary, it is easier to remember them. This
does not mean you will have to set aside words that are isolated literally.
Introduce words by using stories, activities and situations that students may
have encountered or are familiar with. One generic example of this is using the
weather conditions for your lessons. To be innovative, make use of real-life
materials like a week-long weather forecast for the city with pictures instead
of only plain words. Use the images as a jump-start for teaching words by asking
question like, “Will there be thunderstorms this week?” The students may wonder
what a “thunderstorm” is and that is where you can use the pictures to make them
understand better.
Nothing seems to beat the old
line, “practice makes perfect.” Studies suggest that repeating or practicing as
soon as the new words are learned makes students remember them better. All
throughout the lecture, make use of the words so students will have an idea how
they are used. When words are too difficult for the learners, make use of
synonyms or even antonyms. Make the words memorable to the students by playing
the role of the actor. When explaining, use exaggerated facial expressions or
actions. If you are quite of a serious type, then make use of puppets or
funny pictures and videos. Make students enjoy the lesson by giving them reasons
to laugh. They learn better and faster when they are fully engaged in the
discussion or when you have their full attention. The next meeting, make sure to
integrate the words introduced previously.
After the words are
introduced, the best way for learners to get the feel of how they are used is by
modeling. During the class, ask some questions using the words learned or
solicit such words in students’ answers. When students are given ample practice
on the practicability of the words, they are likely to retain them. Don’t just
let them memorize! When students show comprehension on a certain set of
vocabulary, use the words in your next lesson dictation. This does not only help
students recall the words but measures their listening skills. It also provides
exposure on the different ways a word is used in sentences. Consequently, as
they are listening and taking down notes, spelling practice is integrated.
