Teaching ESL Vocabulary Retention Through Spaced Review

🎯 Introduction

Many ESL students can remember new vocabulary for one lesson, then forget it the next week. Spaced review helps learners revisit words at planned intervals so they move from short-term memory into long-term use. This post shows TEFL teachers how to apply spaced review strategies without adding extra workload.

📄 Why It Matters / Why It Works

The brain forgets information quickly unless it is revisited. Spaced review works because it reactivates memory just before forgetting occurs. Instead of cramming, students encounter vocabulary repeatedly in different contexts. This strengthens recall, improves accuracy, and increases confidence when using new words in speaking and writing.

📚 Practical Teaching Strategies Steps / Activities

1. Five-Minute Review Openers

Begin class with a quick review of words from:

• yesterday

• last week

• last monthShort recall tasks keep vocabulary active without slowing the lesson.

  
  

2. Vocabulary Recycling Across Skills

Reuse the same words in reading, speaking, listening, and writing tasks over time.Repeated exposure in varied contexts deepens understanding.

3. Retrieval Practice Cards

Instead of showing definitions, prompt students to recall meaning or use words in sentences.Retrieval strengthens memory more than rereading.

4. Spiral Review Lists

Keep a visible list of “active vocabulary” that grows weekly.Students regularly revisit older words alongside new ones.

5. End-of-Week Recall Challenges

Ask students to list or use as many target words as they remember.Focus on recall, not spelling perfection.

💡 Pro Tip

Avoid reviewing too many words at once. Five to eight words per cycle is more effective than long lists.

📌 Final Thought

Spaced review turns vocabulary learning into lasting knowledge. GoTEFL trains teachers to design effective review systems, while TEIK places educators in classrooms where consistent recycling leads to real language growth.