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GrowForwardNxt

How We Actually Teach English Vocabulary

We've been teaching English in Bangkok since 2018. And honestly? The traditional methods just weren't working for most students. Flashcards felt boring. Rote memorization led nowhere. So we built something different—a practical approach that sticks with you long after class ends.

Common Struggles We See

Words Disappear After Tests

Students memorize vocabulary lists for exams, score well, then forget everything within weeks. The knowledge just doesn't transfer to real conversations or reading.

No Context Means No Retention

Learning words in isolation makes them abstract. When you need them in actual situations—ordering food, writing emails, watching movies—they're nowhere to be found in your brain.

Generic Approaches Miss Individual Needs

One-size-fits-all curricula ignore that everyone learns differently. Some need visual connections, others learn through stories, and some through repetition in varied contexts.

Our Practical Solutions

Contextual Learning Patterns

We teach vocabulary within real-world scenarios. Instead of memorizing "purchase," you'll use it while discussing online shopping habits, reading product reviews, and role-playing customer service situations.

Spaced Repetition That Works

Words reappear naturally across different lessons and activities. You might learn "negotiate" in a business context in March, then use it again discussing apartment hunting in April, and apply it to salary discussions in May.

Personalized Vocabulary Paths

We adapt to what matters to you. Working in hospitality? We'll focus on guest-related terminology. Planning to study abroad? Academic vocabulary takes priority. Your goals shape your learning journey.

Three Core Principles

After working with hundreds of Thai students, we've refined our methodology down to what genuinely produces results. These aren't buzzwords—they're tested approaches.

Immersive Reading

You'll read articles, stories, and real-world texts slightly above your current level. New words appear highlighted, then reappear in different contexts throughout the material.

Active Usage

Speaking and writing exercises force you to use new vocabulary immediately. We create situations where you need specific words to express yourself effectively.

Continuous Review

Previous vocabulary naturally weaves into new lessons. You're not cramming for tests—you're building a vocabulary foundation that compounds over time.

Students engaged in collaborative vocabulary exercises using authentic materials
Interactive vocabulary learning session with real-world context application
Practical vocabulary workshop focusing on contextual word usage
Instructor Linnea Thorvald teaching vocabulary methodology at GrowForwardNxt

Meet Linnea Thorvald

Vocabulary Methodology Lead

Linnea joined us in early 2023 after teaching English in three different countries. She noticed the same problem everywhere—students could pass tests but couldn't actually use English naturally.

She restructured our entire vocabulary curriculum around authentic materials and real conversations. Students in her pilot program retained 73% more words after six months compared to traditional methods.

"The moment I stopped teaching words as isolated units and started teaching them as tools for real communication, everything changed. Students became excited about vocabulary instead of dreading it."