Technology of teaching vocabulary

3. Vocabulary drills.
Vocabulary drills are useful indicators of a student's understanding of assigned words. The teacher who gives his/her students a list of words, then time to "memorize" correct spelling and definitions is using the most common format. Having students apply these words (i.e. using the word correctly in an original sentence) in addition to spelling and defining correctly is a better indication of a student's understanding. Vocabulary drills can also be an effective remedial exercise for students who use words incorrectly in reports and assignments.
HOW:

1. 
   Students must first be motivated to learn new words. When students experience amusement in word-play, expanding of ones vocabulary comes easily. The teacher may want to introduce students to "fun" vocabulary building books like The Insomniac s Dictionary or Word Power Made Easy.
   
2. 
   If a given list of new words is required knowledge for a new topic then the vocabulary should be learned prior to content instruction.
   
3. 
   Once students have been given adequate time to learn correct spelling they are ready to be "drilled" or "quizzed". The vocabulary drill can be formal (the teacher recites a vocabulary list word by word, giving students time to write the word, define it and use it in a sentence). This format functions as a test. It can also be informal, as in a game situation.
   
4. 
   The teacher should emphasize accuracy. The word must be spelled correctly and its usage in a sentence must be grammatically correct.
   
5. 
   Long, tedious vocabulary drills should not be given too frequently. Although it would be impossible to keep up with new developments in vocabulary even if studied daily, we do not want students to lose interest.
   
6. 
   With the aforementioned suggestions in mind, the following steps could be followed:
   

1. 
   The teacher should determine the vocabulary to be learned.
   
2. 
   Students are asked to "memorize" correct spelling and defini­tions and are expected to apply the new vocabulary correctly.
   
3. 
   Students are tested for accuracy either orally or they take written tests. Students may also be timed.
   
4. 
   The test is evaluated and students are required to continue the process with words they were not able to spell, define and/or use correctly.