Text mining: Read a short article related to the student's profession. Underline unknown words, predict meaning from context, then verify. Retention rate is 3x higher than list memorization.
Collocations matching: Give verb-noun pairs (make a decision, take a break, do research). Students match and create sentences using their work context.
Word families expansion: From one root word, build the noun, verb, adjective, adverb forms. "success → succeed → successful → successfully." Students identify which form fits each gap in a paragraph.
Lexical sets creation: Students brainstorm all words related to a topic (meetings: agenda, minutes, chair, adjourn, action points). Teacher adds 5-8 new items. Students categorize by subtopic.
Contextual gap-fill: Remove target words from an authentic text (email, news article, report). Students predict words before seeing options. Tests deeper comprehension than word-bank exercises.
Communicative Activities (6-10)
Vocabulary auction: Students "bid" on whether sentences use vocabulary correctly. "The company made a huge benefit last year" — correct or not? (No — "profit," not "benefit"). Engaging and memorable.
Describe and draw: One student describes a scene using target vocabulary, the other draws without seeing the original. Reveals precision gaps in vocabulary use.
Synonym race: Given a word, students list as many synonyms as possible in 60 seconds, then discuss register differences (said → stated/mentioned/claimed/announced).
Vocabulary storytelling: Give 8 target words on cards. Student must tell a coherent story incorporating all 8. Creativity makes words memorable.
Taboo-style explaining: Describe a word without using 3 related "taboo" words. Forces students to use definitions, examples, and paraphrasing — essential communication skills.
Review and Retention Activities (11-15)
Spaced repetition flashcards: Digital flashcards with SM-2 algorithm. Review at scientifically optimal intervals. 5 minutes daily retains more than 30 minutes weekly.
Personal dictionary entries: Students write definition + example sentence + translation + personal connection for each new word. The personal connection is what anchors memory.
Weekly vocabulary quiz: 10 items from the past 2-3 lessons. Mix formats: definition, gap-fill, translation, sentence creation. Track scores over time for motivation.
Error log review: Students keep a log of vocabulary errors from homework and speaking. Monthly review of the log identifies persistent confusions.
Vocabulary mind maps: Central word with branches for synonyms, antonyms, collocations, example sentences, related words. Visual organization aids recall.
How many new words per lesson?
8-12 for focused vocabulary lessons, 3-5 incidental words during grammar/skills lessons. Research shows diminishing returns above 15 new items per session for active learning.
Should I use translation?
Yes, strategically. Quick L1 translation for concrete nouns saves time. For abstract words and false friends, use English definitions and examples to build accurate mental models.