Word memorization is important in language learning, and memorization is helped when
words are recycled regularly. Vocabulary development is a continuous process, where
learners meet the words many times in their learning to increase and deepen their
knowledge and their use of words in the foreign language (Cameron, 2001). It is also
facilitated through using meaningful activities to practice vocabulary, as it provides the
learners with opportunities to memorize the words effectively, more than if they just
practice them orally by drilling or by using flashcards. Activities which involve learners
in thinking about the words and making decisions about them allow learners to
remember the words effectively. As Thornbury (2002) states, "To ensure long-term
recall and retention, new knowledge should be integrated to old/existing knowledge, i.e.
they need to be placed into working memory e.g. being compared, combined, matched,
sorted, visualized and re-shuffled, as well as being repeatedly filed away and recalled"
(p.45). Therefore, students need exposure to a variety of activities that challenge their
thinking and promote their decision making.