March 2026 · Homework
Many ESL students spend hours studying English but see little progress — not because they lack motivation, but because they lack effective study strategies. Teaching students how to learn is just as important as teaching them English.
Language learning happens mostly outside the classroom. A typical student has 2-4 hours of lessons per week but 160+ waking hours. What they do in those other hours determines their progress more than anything that happens in class. Students who know how to study effectively make 2-3x faster progress.
The simple word list (English word + translation) is the worst method. Teach students to record vocabulary with: the word, pronunciation, part of speech, a definition in English, an example sentence, collocations, and a personal association or image.
Explain the forgetting curve — without review, 80% of new vocabulary is forgotten within a week. Spaced repetition systems (SRS) like flashcards review words at increasing intervals, optimizing long-term retention.
Help students create a realistic study schedule: 15-20 minutes daily is better than 2 hours once a week. Use the "little and often" principle.
Show evidence — demonstrate the forgetting curve, do a mini-experiment with spaced vs massed practice. Students change when they see results, not when they hear advice.
Yes — invest 10-15 minutes periodically. Students who study effectively outside class need less re-teaching in class. It's a time investment that pays back quickly.