How does the strategy impact Zach's understanding of vocabulary over time?

The strategy enhances Zach's understanding of academic vocabulary by providing him with tools and methods to engage with new words in a meaningful way. This approach typically includes strategies like context clues, word analysis (such as prefixes and suffixes), and usage in different contexts, which collectively help deepen his comprehension. By actively engaging with vocabulary, Zach is likely to develop a more extensive and nuanced understanding of academic language, making it easier for him to access and utilize these terms in his reading and writing tasks.

In contrast, other options suggest negative outcomes that are not consistent with how effective vocabulary strategies work, as they imply confusion or a reduction of skills rather than growth and comprehension. The emphasis in successful vocabulary instruction is on promoting understanding, retention, and application of academic phrases, which aligns with the correct answer.