HOW TO IMPROVE MY STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY SKILLS

Abstract

In contemporary English Language Teaching (ELT), vocabulary acquisition plays a central role in developing learners’ communicative competence. Despite its importance, vocabulary instruction is often limited to rote memorization and translation exercises, which do not lead to long-term retention or active usage. As a result, many students possess a passive vocabulary but struggle to use words effectively in speaking and writing.

This exploratory action research aims to investigate practical and engaging strategies to improve students’ vocabulary skills in a primary school context. The study compares two instructional approaches: the Context-Based Vocabulary Teaching Method and the Game-Based Learning Approach. Conducted over a five-month period with 5th-grade students, the research integrates teacher reflections, student feedback, and peer observation to ensure reliability.

The findings reveal that students exposed to contextual and interactive learning environments showed significant improvement in vocabulary retention, usage, and motivation. Notably, the game-based group demonstrated higher engagement levels, while the context-based group showed deeper understanding of word meanings. The study concludes that combining multiple strategies is essential for effective vocabulary development and long-term language proficiency.