According to a review of vocabulary acquisition research, the three most effective methods of vocabulary acquisition requires students to:
- connect new vocabulary with what they already know
- experience repeated exposure to new words
- use new vocabulary in meaningful ways
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While repeated exposure echoes the philosophy behind the most traditional methods, such as vocabulary flash cards, matching games, and crossword puzzle practice, the most common methods used by students today completely neglect two of the three most essential and most fun parts of vocabulary learning.
Read on below to find suggestions for making the study of vocabulary both fun and effective by bringing connection-making and the meaningful use of vocabulary back into the equation.