A group test and individual interviews were employed to investigate the relative size of the reading and listening vocabularies of 216 elementary readers at 3 age and ability levels, the depth of students' understanding of words, and the effectiveness of 2 word lists in identifying words that students don't know. (IAH)

Results on a multiple choice vocabulary test and a final essay writing activity suggest that teaching vocabulary as a writing prompt was more successful than more traditional forms. (RAE)

Elaborates on the conjecture that the words used in speech and writing have a powerful effect on perceptions of what is said and written. Reviews three distinct goals of instruction that are designed to promote students' expressive vocabularies. Suggests approaches for promoting students' active use of words. (ML)

Describes a program designed to teach content area vocabulary that resulted in vocabulary growth and improved comprehension. (AEA)

Examined six aspects of vocabulary instruction given to fourth and sixth graders prior to reading in two basal reading series. Found that words targeted for instruction were already known; instruction in the two series differed markedly; much of the instruction was not sufficient to improve comprehension; and instruction was not necessarily suited…