Retrieval unit: alphabetical reference sheets recording word, grammar, equivalents, examples, source, date, synonyms and definition¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The retrieval unit is a set of ring files with alphabetically indexed sheets, one sheet per word. The front records the word, grammatical features, English equivalents or explanation, and example sentences from a dictionary; the reverse records the source, date, synonyms and a definition for advanced students. The author claims it reinforces classroom work, keeps the record findable, shows paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations, and gives the teacher evidence of the student's work.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A dictionary or dictionaries covering the vocabulary the student is likely to meet
• A stylistic dictionary and/or good ordinary dictionary
• A thesaurus or dictionary of synonyms

Constraints¶

• In practice students below 'A' level or even more so below '0' level would probably find the learning unit more useful than the retrieval unit

Target Learners¶

• foreign language students at secondary level and above

Target Learning Goals¶

• foreign language vocabulary development and retention

Related Elements¶

Examples¶

• Allocate revision time economically by concentrating self-testing on the box of not-yet-known items

Key Sources¶

• Whiteley, Darryl. (1971). Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED062899