When teaching a new word, which method is likely the least effective for students to absorb the term?

Guiding students to look up a new word in a dictionary may be the least effective method for helping them absorb the term. While dictionary use can provide a definition, students often benefit more from experiencing a word in multiple contexts, which helps them understand its nuances and applications. Simply looking it up does not encourage engagement with the word or offer a chance to see how it fits into different situations, which is essential for internalization and retention.

In contrast, maintaining a personal word list allows students to actively track and refer back to new terms they encounter. Using the new word in various contexts reinforces comprehension by showing its relevance and versatility. Illustrated cards can also be effective since visual aids can enhance memory and provide context clues, making the meaning more accessible. Therefore, while looking up a word can contribute to understanding, it tends to be a more passive and less interactive method compared to the others listed.