Which factor is crucial for language retention in ESOL students?

Opportunities for practice are essential for language retention in ESOL students. Engaging in frequent and varied practice allows learners to reinforce their understanding of the language, apply vocabulary, and utilize grammatical structures in context. This active use of the language helps solidify learning, making it more likely that students will remember and effectively use what they have learned. When students have ample opportunities to speak, listen, read, and write in the target language, it enhances their fluency and confidence.

In contrast, while access to technology can support language learning, it is not a substitute for actual practice. Large class sizes may limit individual opportunities for engagement, and limited exposure to the target language would hinder retention rather than support it. Therefore, practice is the key factor that directly contributes to the mastery and retention of a new language for ESOL students.