Retrieval is the action of recalling and using language stored in long-term memory.

Teacher and student talking at a desk in a classroom in Singapore

Language can be retrieved once learners have retained the words.

Example

Students will find it easier to retrieve language that they have met and used in a number of different contexts.

In the classroom
Asking learners to retrieve language is important as it can be forgotten very quickly. Teachers help this process by using revision and recycling activities. Learner training is also important, for example encouraging learners to use new language outside the classroom and looking at different ways of recording new items for easy access later.

Further links:
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/remembering-vocabulary
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/lexical-notebooks-or-vocabulary-cards
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/revising-lexis-quality-or-quantity
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/vocabulary-autonomy
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/how-maximise-language-learning-senior-learners
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/dictionaries-lexicography-language-learning

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