Which strategy is likely to be most effective for improving students' understanding of academic vocabulary?

Using new vocabulary words in writing is an effective strategy for improving students' understanding of academic vocabulary because it actively engages students in the application of those words. When students utilize vocabulary in context, they are more likely to grasp the meanings, nuances, and appropriate usage of the terms, which enhances retention and comprehension.

This approach allows for deeper cognitive processing as students consider how to incorporate the words meaningfully into their own language, promoting connections with prior knowledge and personal experiences. Additionally, it encourages creativity and critical thinking as they formulate sentences or ideas that resonate with the vocabulary.

The other strategies, while they have their benefits, do not foster the same level of engagement and practical application. Writing words multiple times may improve memorization but doesn't aid in understanding context or usage. Providing synonyms can broaden vocabulary but might not convey the specific meaning of the academic terms within their intended context. Looking up definitions can help with recognition but often lacks the depth that comes from using the words in practice, where students can experiment with and reflect on their meanings.