VIETTESOL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025

This presentation examines how contextualized learning can significantly enhance students' ability to retain vocabulary. Vocabulary acquisition is a cornerstone of language learning, yet traditional methods like rote memorization often fail to yield lasting results. Contextualized learning, which integrates new words into meaningful, relevant contexts such as sentences, stories, or real-life scenarios, offers a promising alternative. The research, conducted among secondary school students, employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including pre-tests, post-tests, and surveys. Results indicate that students taught vocabulary within contextualized frameworks not only remembered words better but also demonstrated improved application in writing and speaking tasks. Furthermore, the approach heightened student engagement, as they found learning in relatable contexts more enjoyable and meaningful. Practical strategies, such as incorporating subject-based vocabulary in project-based learning and using real-world examples, are discussed to help educators implement this approach effectively. By emphasizing the connections between words and their usage in context, this method fosters deeper cognitive processing, enabling students to internalize vocabulary for long-term use. This presentation underscores the importance of innovative teaching strategies in language education and aims to equip educators with actionable insights for classroom application.