How to Teach Vocabulary Using Spaced Repetition

Teaching vocabulary can be a daunting task, especially when trying to ensure that students not only learn new words but also retain them in the long term. One effective method that has gained popularity in recent years is spaced repetition. This technique strategically schedules reviews of vocabulary words, allowing learners to revisit them at intervals that optimize memory retention. In this blog post, we will explore how to effectively teach vocabulary using spaced repetition, along with practical strategies and steps to implement this method in your teaching.

Understanding Spaced Repetition

Before diving into the practical aspects, it’s essential to understand what spaced repetition is. It is a learning technique that involves increasing intervals of review as the learner's familiarity with the material grows. Instead of cramming all new vocabulary into one session, spaced repetition spreads out the introduction and review of words over time.

This approach is based on the forgetting curve, a concept introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. The forgetting curve illustrates how information is lost over time if there are no attempts to retain it. Spaced repetition addresses this by optimizing review sessions, helping learners retain vocabulary more effectively.

The Science Behind Spaced Repetition

Research has shown that our brains are wired to forget information over time. However, when we review information at strategically timed intervals, we reinforce the neural pathways associated with that knowledge. Here’s how it works in practice:

1. Initial Learning: When a new word is introduced, it stays fresh in memory.
2. First Review: After a short time (for example, a few hours), the student reviews the word.
3. Subsequent Reviews: As the student becomes more familiar with the word, the time between reviews increases (e.g., one day, then two days, then a week).

By using this method, learners can move words from short-term to long-term memory, greatly enhancing their vocabulary retention.

Implementing Spaced Repetition in Vocabulary Teaching

Step 1: Select Vocabulary Words

The first step in teaching vocabulary using spaced repetition is selecting the words you want your students to learn. This could be based on:

• Curriculum Needs: Focusing on words relevant to the material your students are studying.
• Frequency of Use: Choosing high-frequency words that students are likely to encounter in everyday conversations or texts.
• Level of Difficulty: Incorporating words that match the students’ proficiency levels, gradually introducing more complex vocabulary as they progress.

Step 2: Introduce the Words Creatively

Once you've determined which vocabulary to teach, consider introducing words in engaging and meaningful ways:

• Contextual Learning: Present words in context through stories, dialogues, or thematic units.
• Visual Aids: Use images, flashcards, or infographics to make words more memorable.
• Games and Activities: Incorporate games such as word searches, crosswords, or vocabulary charades to encourage active participation.

Step 3: Encourage Initial Learning

Introduce the vocabulary words and include pronunciation tips, meanings, and example sentences. Encourage initial learning through:

• Group Discussions: Have students work in pairs or groups to discuss the words and their meanings.
• Personal Connections: Ask students to relate words to their own lives or experiences to make them more relevant and memorable.

Step 4: Establish a Review Schedule

To effectively implement spaced repetition, establish a review schedule for vocabulary words. Here’s a suggested timetable:

• Day 1: Introduce the new words.
• Day 2: Review the words and assess understanding (quiz or interactive activity).
• Day 4: Review the same words.
• Day 7: Another review session.
• Day 14: Final review of the words.

As students become more familiar with the vocabulary, you can increase the review intervals.

Step 5: Use Various Review Techniques

During review sessions, switch up the techniques to keep students engaged and reinforce learning. Some helpful methods include:

• Flashcards: Create flashcards for individual words with definitions, example sentences, and visuals.
• Quizzes: Conduct short quizzes to test recall and understanding.
• Matching Games: Create games where students match words with their meanings or synonyms.

Step 6: Monitor Progress

Assess student progress regularly to identify which words are becoming more easily recalled and which ones may still pose challenges. This can be done through:

• Self-assessment: Have students track their learning and confidence with each word.
• Peer Review: Let students quiz each other or form small study groups for spontaneous review sessions.
• Teacher Observations: Monitor participation and comprehension during activities and discussions.

Step 7: Iterate the Process

Spaced repetition is not a one-time act; it's a continuous process. After completing a round of vocabulary, revisit the words periodically. Continue to add new vocabulary while keeping older ones in the review rotation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding over time.

Conclusion

Teaching vocabulary using spaced repetition can transform how students learn and retain new words. By carefully selecting vocabulary, encouraging initial learning, establishing a structured review schedule, using diverse review techniques, and monitoring progress, educators can create an effective and engaging vocabulary learning experience.

As students interact with words on multiple occasions and in various contexts, their retention will improve, leading to more confident use of language over time. Embrace the principles of spaced repetition, and watch your students flourish in their vocabulary acquisition.