11 - Deliberate vocabulary learning from word cards

Summary

The main idea behind this chapter is that the research on deliberately learning vocabulary shows that it is such an efficient and effective way of learning that, in terms of speed of vocabulary growth, a course that includes both incidental learning from communication-focused activities and deliberate learning will be much better than a course that relies only on incidental learning. Moreover, flash-card learning should be done so that the vocabulary worked on is repeatedly met until it is thoroughly learned. This goal of a high level of knowledge contrasts with the uncertain learning that occurs through other activities. Deliberately learning vocabulary before it is met in communication-focused activities means that the difficulty of such activities is reduced. Deliberately learning vocabulary after it has been met in a communication-focused activity means that the deliberate learning will be more meaningful and motivated. This chapter describes a list of well-supported guidelines for learning using flash cards. These principles should also be used in electronic flash-card programs.