Teaching Vocabulary Effectively

Teaching Vocabulary Effectively

• Direct Translation Limitations: While simple translation can initially show meaning, it doesn't demonstrate usage in a sentence—examples are needed.

• Example-Based Learning: Providing examples and asking students for translations promotes understanding and English usage practice. Repeating words without context offers little benefit.

• Visual Aids: Visual aids like objects, pictures, drawings, and mime can effectively teach word meaning.

• Word Usage Context: Giving examples of a word in use (within sentences) clarifies its meaning. This is crucial for abstract words (e.g., love, happiness).

• Simple Examples for Clarity: Detailed examples don't need intricate explanations; straightforward sentences and scenarios suffice.

Improving Vocabulary Presentation

• Activity Examples: Adding sentences/details to clarify word meaning, such as:

• Market: "You can buy food and other items at the market."

• Clothes: "In the morning we put on our clean clothes."

• Noisy: "Students were very noisy during the lesson"

• Happiness: "He was full of happiness because of a good result."

• Impossible: "Your plan is quite impossible because of the time constraints."

• Combined Techniques: Combining visual aids (drawing, facial expressions), examples, and translations strengthens understanding.

• Questions for Reinforcement: Using questions about new words encourages student interaction and practical application. For example: "What does smile mean?" or "How do you cook a meal?"

Vocabulary Expansion

• Student Interest: Learning new words naturally extends to related words, building broader vocabulary.

• Synonyms and Related Words: Introduce related, synonymous words (e.g., cooking methods) or contextually connected terms.

• Elicitation: Guide students to discover new vocabulary through questioning (e.g., "How do you cook bread?").

Active vs. Passive Vocabulary

• Active Vocabulary: Students actively use and understand a word. Examples and questions help develop active vocabulary.

• Passive Vocabulary: Words students understand but don't use. Present this type quickly within a text/sentence. Context can help students understand.

• Word Importance: Not all new words require the same level of active learning; focus on those students need.

• Vocabulary Webs: Expanding vocabulary by using questions including what, where, who and when to stimulate stored words/information and class interest.