For English language learners (ELLs), building vocabulary isn’t simply about memorizing words—it’s about developing the confidence and strategies needed to continue learning long after they leave the classroom.
A recent research project published in Adult Literacy Education: The International Journal of Literacy, Language, and Numeracy explored how structured vocabulary instruction can help adult English learners strengthen both their language skills and their confidence. The results, found in the article “Strategies and Tools for Learning High Frequency and Domain-Specific Vocabulary for Adult English Language Learners” by Tara Ondra, ESL Program Coordinator at Lehigh Carbon Community College, offer encouraging news for educators: When learners are introduced to intentional learning strategies and given opportunities to practice vocabulary in meaningful ways, they retain more words, become more independent learners, and feel more confident using English.
Why Vocabulary Matters
For adult English learners, vocabulary is often seen as the gateway to bigger goals—finding employment, succeeding in training programs, communicating with healthcare providers, or enrolling in college. But simply introducing new words isn’t enough.
Ondra’s study followed a group of advanced English learners enrolled in a Pharmacy Technician Integrated Education and Training (IET) program. Rather than relying on traditional memorization, the instructor combined high-frequency English words with job-specific vocabulary and introduced learners to a variety of digital tools and learning strategies they could continue using independently.
The results were impressive. Over six weeks, learners more than doubled the number of vocabulary words they reported knowing—from an average of 28 words to 62 words out of an 84-word list. They also reported increased confidence in their English listening and reading skills.
What Made the Difference?
Success, it turns out, wasn’t the result of a singular app or learning activity. What drove success was a consistent, structured approach that helped learners understand how to learn new vocabulary—not just what to learn.
Here are three strategies adult English language instructors can begin using today to drive the same results.
1. Teach Vocabulary Through Repeated, Meaningful Practice
Research has consistently shown that learners need multiple exposures to new words before they truly remember and can use them. Instead of introducing vocabulary once and moving on, this project intentionally revisited words through a variety of activities over time.
Learners practiced vocabulary by:
- writing original sentences
- completing fill-in-the-blank activities
- participating in conversations
- reading and writing dialogues
- playing vocabulary games
- recording themselves speaking
- completing dictations
Each activity reinforced the same words in a different context, helping learners move beyond recognition toward real-world use.
Try it! Select 10–15 new words each week and intentionally weave them into multiple classroom activities rather than teaching them only once.
2. Build Learner Independence with Digital Tools
One of the most valuable aspects of the project was helping students become independent learners.
Rather than expecting students to rely solely on classroom instruction, the instructor introduced several free digital tools—including Quizlet, WordReference, Google Translate, Vocabulary Attack, ChatGPT, and PiAI—and discussed when and how each tool could best support vocabulary learning. Students also explored these tools outside of class, increasing their awareness of resources they could continue using after the course ended.
By the end of the project:
- Every learner reported greater awareness of vocabulary-learning strategies.
- Two-thirds said they had changed how they study vocabulary.
- Quizlet and WordReference emerged as two of the most helpful resources for independent learning.
Try it! Instead of introducing every available app, spend time teaching learners when and why to use a few reliable tools. Demonstrate them together, then encourage learners to practice independently between classes.
3. Help Learners Reflect on Their Own Learning
One simple practice had a powerful impact.
At the end of each week, students evaluated which vocabulary words felt “easy” and which still required more review. Throughout the project, they also reflected on their study habits, discussed learning strategies with classmates, and completed assessments to monitor their progress.
These reflection exercises encouraged learners to take ownership of their progress while helping the instructor adjust instruction based on student needs.
Perhaps most importantly, this process appeared to build confidence. As learners saw measurable improvements in their vocabulary, they also reported feeling more confident in their ability to understand and use English.
Try it! End each week with a quick self-assessment. Ask learners which words they know well, which still need practice, and what study strategies worked best for them.
Confidence Grows Alongside Vocabulary
When educators provide structured practice, expose learners to effective learning tools, and encourage reflection, they’re also helping adults develop confidence and learner autonomy, which carries into employment, postsecondary education, or everyday life.
What it comes down to is that every new word learned is another step toward greater independence—and another reason for learners to believe in their own ability to succeed.