Teaching & Learning Vocabulary: 5 Thinking Points

In this talk on teaching vocabulary, I will discuss 5 things English teachers (and learners) should keep in mind when it comes to teaching and learning vocabulary in English.

I begin by defining what I mean exactly when I say vocabulary, before moving on to discuss a range of important considerations teachers can draw from when planning their vocabulary instruction nd student learning.

​Please watch the mini-lecture at the bottom of the page.

Before starting our discussion on vocabulary teaching and development, it should be known that in creating this talk I took the stance that explicit vocabulary instruction and incidental vocabulary acquisition both have important roles to play in ensuring English language students achieve their language learning goals and vocabulary needs. I believe that if teachers ignore the role either one can play in helping their students develop their vocabulary knowledge, they are effectively curtailing their students’ language development.
 
In addition, I am also taking the stance that English teachers have a huge role to play in making sure that a) our students get advice based on the most up-to-date research in education, and b) that learning vocabulary is arguably more important to learning the rules of grammar for most learners wishing to communicate effectively in English.
 
5 Thinking Points English Teachers Should Keep In Mind When Teaching Vocabulary!
 
1. Are we paying enough attention to vocabulary development?
 
2. Does the context of learning matter? (English as a Second Language vs. English as a Second Language context)
 
3. What does it mean to know a vocabulary item?
 
4. How many words do English Language learners need?
 
5. What needs to be considered when it comes to learning/teaching vocabulary in English classes?
 
Thanks for Watching!

References and further reading
* See end of video