Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Thanks
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- I Creating a good environment for language learning
- II Being effective in the classroom
- III Teaching large classes
- IV Teaching language skills and systems
- V Teaching language without textbooks
- VI Teaching language with textbooks
- VII Helping students achieve their potential
- VIII Linking the school to the outside world
- IX Supporting yourself and others
- Glossary
- Index
16 - Teaching vocabulary
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 September 2021
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Thanks
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- I Creating a good environment for language learning
- II Being effective in the classroom
- III Teaching large classes
- IV Teaching language skills and systems
- V Teaching language without textbooks
- VI Teaching language with textbooks
- VII Helping students achieve their potential
- VIII Linking the school to the outside world
- IX Supporting yourself and others
- Glossary
- Index
Summary
Learning is not a spectator sport … Students do not learn much just sitting in classes listening to teachers … They must make what they learn part of themselves.
Arthur Chickering and Stephen EhrmannThe short version
1 Developing students’ vocabulary is very motivating and empowering, as they feel they are making progress.
2 Vocabulary is often taught as a series of words to be remembered rather than used. This is why students’ active vocabulary is often much smaller than their passive vocabulary. Students need as many opportunities as possible to use language.
3 There are many ways in which new language can be presented, including mime, drawing or using real objects.
4 To secure understanding of a word, students need to not only know its meaning, but also its form, pronunciation and spelling.
5 Students need to develop their vocabulary skills as well as their actual knowledge of words, for example recognizing patterns across the language.
Introduction
1 How do you currently teach new vocabulary to your students? Is it successful? Why / why not?
2 What are the main challenges you face when teaching students new vocabulary?
3 The following words about teaching and learning vocabulary are used in this chapter. What do you think they mean?
Teaching words
Without words, students cannot communicate in the target language. The ability to use or understand just a few words is empowering for students. It can give them confidence in their language learning ability and feel like they are making progress – even if/when they find things like grammar or reading difficult. A crucial issue when teaching new language is: how can students develop their active vocabulary (i.e. the words they can use) and not just their passive vocabulary (i.e. the words that they know, or can understand)?
Internalize, retain and retrieve
Learners need to first learn the new language, then feel confident using the new structure, expression or word. They have to be exposed to the new term multiple times, with different examples and in different contexts. After some time, the word becomes familiar and therefore usable.
Cristina Cabal- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Teaching in Challenging Circumstances , pp. 99 - 106Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021