In our pursuit of empowering students to become skilled readers and effective communicators, one cannot ignore the significance of vocabulary. A quote by linguist Batia Laufer resonates deeply with our focus for today’s discussion:
“By far the greatest lexical obstacle to good reading is insufficient number of words in the learner’s lexicon. [In research studies] lexis was found to be the best predictor of success in reading, better than syntax or general reading ability.” (Laufer, 1997)
These words from Laufer serve as a powerful reminder that a vast vocabulary is the foundation upon which all language skills are built. As English teachers, we play a vital role in enriching our students’ lexicons, enabling them to understand complex texts, express their thoughts with clarity, and ultimately, thrive in their language journey.
Strategies for Effective Vocabulary Teaching
Let’s explore some practical strategies that can enhance our teaching approach:
- Contextual Teaching: Rather than teaching words in isolation, present them in a context. This makes the meaning clear and shows students how the word is used in real life.
- Active Learning and Engagement: Encourage students to actively participate in their vocabulary learning. This might include tasks that require them to use the new words in speaking or writing. Creating crossword puzzles, flashcards, or engaging games can be a fun and effective way to reinforce vocabulary understanding.
- Frequent Exposure and Repetition: Vocabulary learning requires frequent encounters with a word. Penny Ur emphasizes the need for repetition and revisiting words at regular intervals. This can be done through various activities, exercises, and reading materials that incorporate the target vocabulary.
- Word Association and Grouping: Help students organize words in their minds by associating them with related words or concepts. For example, you might group words by themes such as “food,” “family,” “travel,” etc.
- Teaching Word-Attack Skills: Instead of just presenting the meanings of words, teach students the skills to figure out meanings on their own. This might include understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words, or using context clues within a sentence or paragraph to decipher the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
The goal is not just to introduce new words but also to inspire a love for words and language within our students.
