What should content-area teachers know about vocabulary instruction?
Page 6: Providing Multiple Exposures to Vocabulary
Another element of effective vocabulary instruction is for teachers to ensure that their students have repeated exposures to key vocabulary. Vocabulary and conceptual knowledge are built gradually over time, and multiple exposures offer opportunities to revisit words and information and to relate words and ideas to one another. If students are to build a deep understanding of key vocabulary and its appropriate use, a single exposure will prove insufficient. Rather, students need to practice with words across lessons and in different contexts. Multiple exposures to vocabulary can be achieved through various ways, such as:
- Independent reading
- Partner activities
- Teacher-led discussions
Watch the video below to see educational consultant Anita Archer demonstrate teacher-led vocabulary instruction in a middle school language-arts class (time: 4:24).
Activity
Videos are courtesy Anita L. Archer.
