What instructional method helps students understand and retain new vocabulary effectively?

The most effective instructional method for helping students understand and retain new vocabulary is asking questions using each vocabulary word and requiring support for their answers. This approach promotes active engagement with the vocabulary, encouraging students to think critically about the words and their meanings. By formulating questions and finding evidence to support their answers, students deepen their understanding of the words in context.

This method also fosters discussions among peers, allowing them to share insights and clarify misunderstandings. Engaging with vocabulary in this way not only helps students remember the words but also empowers them to use the vocabulary in various contexts, reinforcing their learning through application and interaction. Thus, this technique stands out as a comprehensive approach to vocabulary acquisition that goes beyond rote memorization.