Memory Theory And Vocabulary Teaching

This paper explores memory theory and vocabulary teaching aiming at helping students overcome vocabulary learning difficulty and giving them the tools and strategies to learn independently. Current scholars usually investigate psychology in the study of language. So I turn to combine memory with English language teaching . The paper discusses three stages of memory , mnemonic techniques , individual differences , determinants of foreign language vocabulary learning, the teaching of basic words , general principle for dealing with high-frequency and low-frequency vocabulary , direct approach versus indirect approach to vocabulary teaching , learning words through reading in context and current vocabulary teaching techniques and strategies derived from memory and language research. These techniques and strategies are expected to facilitate foreign language vocabulary learning and increase the effectiveness of teaching in classroom. In the end, it demonstrates two examples of vocabulary pedagogy My research suggests that in middle school , direct teaching is superior to indirect teaching . Teachers should 1) teach vocabulary deliberately by using the techniques and strategies from memory and language research ;2) teach vocabulary indirectly by providing enough appropriate material for reading and listening 3) help different students establish their own learning strategies.