Efficient vocabulary training in higher education

Abstract: A good vocabulary is a prerequisite for learning and practicing a second language. But to memorize words is hard work, still often done using pen and paper, and as an activity that is not prioritized in classroom education it is taken for granted that individual students take personal responsibility to learn them. This report discusses applications and ideas in the field of computer assisted language learning, the role of vocabulary when learning a language and theories in memory retention. Wordalist, a learning tool developed by the author has been used since 2003 at several language departments at the Stockholm University. This report describes the process of upgrading Wordalist with new features that increase its efficacy and student learning efficiency by implementing a learning engine that adapts to the capacity of the individual student.