A strong vocabulary is one of the foundations of good English skills. It helps students express themselves clearly, understand what they read, and perform better in school. In Singapore, many parents turn to an English tuition centre to support their children’s learning, especially for Secondary School English Tuition. These centres play a key role in helping students improve their vocabulary in ways that are both engaging and effective.
Let’s explore seven strategies that English tuition centres use to help students grow their vocabulary—methods that are also practised here at Augustine’s English Classes.
1. Contextual Learning
Learning new words is much easier when students understand how and when to use them. This is where contextual learning comes in.
Instead of simply memorising word lists, students are introduced to new vocabulary through stories, reading passages, and everyday situations. For example, a student might learn the word “pollution” while reading an article about the environment. Seeing words used in real-life situations helps students remember them better and know how to use them correctly.
2. Theme-Based Word Lists
Tuition centres often organise vocabulary lessons around specific themes, such as health, sports, travel, or technology.
By focusing on one theme at a time, students learn related words together. This makes it easier to see connections between words and improves memory. For instance, in a lesson on “food and nutrition,” students might learn words like “balanced diet,” “vitamins,” and “calories” all at once.
3. MOE-Aligned Materials
Many English tuition centres in Singapore use resources that are aligned with the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus. This ensures that the vocabulary being taught is relevant to what students are learning in school.
These materials often include sample exam questions, comprehension passages, and vocabulary exercises that mirror school assessments. By practising with MOE-aligned content, students become more confident and prepared for their English exams.
4. Interactive Activities
Learning vocabulary doesn’t have to be boring! At many tuition centres, students take part in fun activities that help them remember new words.
Word games, vocabulary bingo, matching exercises, and group quizzes are just some of the ways tutors make learning interactive. These activities encourage participation and make lessons more enjoyable. They also help students remember words for a longer time.
5. Regular Reading and Discussion
Reading regularly is one of the best ways to build a strong vocabulary. English tuition centres encourage students to read widely—storybooks, articles, newspapers, and more.
After reading, tutors often lead group discussions or ask students to share what they’ve learnt. Talking about the text helps students understand how new words are used and gives them a chance to practise using those words in conversation.
6. Personal Vocabulary Journals
Many centres encourage students to keep their own vocabulary journals. These are small notebooks where students write down new words they come across.
For each word, they might include the meaning, a sample sentence, and maybe even a picture or synonym. This personal record helps students take ownership of their learning and creates a useful reference they can return to anytime.
7. Use of Technology
Technology also plays an important role in vocabulary learning today. Many tuition centres use digital tools and apps to make learning more interactive and personalised.
There are apps that offer flashcards, pronunciation guides, and vocabulary quizzes. Some platforms even allow students to learn through videos or games, which is especially useful for visual and auditory learners.
Building Strong Vocabulary with Augustine’s English Classes
At Augustine’s English Classes, we understand the importance of a strong vocabulary in Secondary English Tuition. As a trusted English tuition centre in Singapore, we use all the strategies mentioned above—from contextual learning to MOE-aligned materials, and from interactive games to vocabulary journals.
Our programmes are designed specifically for Secondary School English Tuition, helping students build confidence and improve their language skills. If you are looking for English tuition in Singapore that truly supports vocabulary growth, Augustine’s English Classes is here to help your child succeed.
Get in touch with Augustine’s English Classes today and discover how we can support your child’s English learning journey!
