Hello,
I don't use the AWL list, but I do use other word lists and also readability statistics when I design class materials. I basically try to work in as many of the words as possible into the speaking and reading activities, making sure to review them later on. In writing tasks, you could also mark them on the depth of their vocabulary. Again, you could analyse their texts using readability tools (as long as you have a digital copy).
For something kind of related, you might like this quiz I developed for the Barron's Word List (GRE exam):
GRE Master