A great tool for teachers to use as a vocabulary booster is Quizlet. Apart from providing ready-made vocabulary sets, new ones can be created in a few minutes only. The beauty of this tool is that the teacher can compile elaborate bi-lingual lists of vocabulary items in many different language combinations and use them either in class for presentation, practice and production or have the student use them at home on their own. The number of words to be introduced is unlimited and the various exercises that are available are generated automatically as soon as the list has been created.
Once the list has been created, it can be presented in the form of a list or a grid. The items can be shuffled or ordered alphabetically by a mere click of the mouse. The various tools integrated are provided above the main list so they are activated by a simple click and the presentation of the list becomes a new tool - 'flachcards', 'learn', 'speller', 'test', 'scatter' and 'race'.
The tools may be used by the students either individually or in groups and pairs. Quite engaging think-pair-share activities can be organised based on the tools provided. First of all, each term can be presented on a flashcard in both language directions used.
The 'learn' tool engages the student on various levels as the item has to be written into the provided slot and if written correctly, the item will be pronounced for the student so they may hear it as well. If the item has been written incorrectly, the tool indicates the error clearly and suggests the correct answer. The exercise may be started all over again and the source language may be changed alternatively starting from either language used when the list of vocabulary items was compiled.
The 'speller' is again engaging the student on many levels as they have to use the skill of listening and writing. The tool dictates the vocabulary item and the student has to type what they hear into the provided slot. At the same time, the translation of the item is provided next to the slot. As the vocabulary items are chosen randomly by the tool, the student will have the opportunity to practise various items without learning the order by heart.
The 'test' tool is a classical quiz but comprised of various tasks generated automatically. The student will either have to type the correct vocabulary item, check the correct answer, say whether an answer is true or false, etc. When done, the answers can be checked immediately whereby Quizlet provides explanations as well.
The last two tools, 'scatter' and 'race' are like games engaging students in a fun way so that the final hurdle is actually a special treat.
As an illustration, here is a short list on Intellectual property consisting of 13 vocabulary items presented in English and Serbian.
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