Tested both superior and average-ability subjects (N=112) from contrasting educational settings to examine the apparent decline in vocabulary skills of older adults. Results showed older adults performed better than the young, judged by either standard or qualitative criteria. (BH)

Describes a vocabulary activity the author uses in first-year composition classes which is effective, interesting, and fun for students who write an ongoing serialized short story with required vocabulary words chosen weekly from assigned student readings. (SR)

Describes how vocabulary portfolios can be used to assist developmental readers and writers in college to overcome vocabulary problems. (MG)

Concludes that the two reading courses offered by the education department at Clemson University are effective in increasing reading rate, vocabulary, and comprehension. (RB)

Presents guidelines for effective vocabulary instruction, stressing the importance of using mixed methods, learning vocabulary in context, maintaining student interest, and active learning. Describes three generative vocabulary strategies: student-initiated vocabulary study, the keyword method of imagining, and concept cards. (AYC)

Describes the characteristics of academic language (mature expository prose; the formal English of college textbooks). Discusses theoretical and practical issues involved in the procedures for selecting and teaching academic vocabulary, and suggests teaching ideas, techniques, and materials. (RL)

Investigates normative longitudinal change in student writing during college. Selects nine measures as good representatives of nine factors--factors of independent and bound ideas, idea elaboration and substantiation, local cohesion, establishment of logical boundaries, free modification, fluency, and vocabulary. Finds that eight of the nine…

Taking up where "Word Smart" (published in 1988) left off, this book aims to expand the educated person's vocabulary with 848 more words. Besides different words, the book features a special emphasis on correct pronunciation--so that embarassament can be avoided by those who speak up in class or who try to impress their friends with…

The influence of the number of pictures in college textbooks on students' understanding of the text was studied. For six history texts, the numbers of pages, maps, and pictures were compared. Charts, graphs, and diagrams of processes were not counted. While the number of pages and the number of maps in these books have not changed significantly,…

Provides six propositions concerning the use of vocabulary in business writing. Suggests practical exercises for teaching these propositions to business students. (RL)

Shows how one teacher develops student vocabulary and spelling skills as part of the writing process. (RL)

Two studies examined college students' ability, when presented with two sequential adjectives, to make relatedness judgments and antonym and synonym judgments. The studies found that judgments were fastest for direct antonyms, even when compared to synonyms of similar relatedness. (Contains 17 references.) (MDM)

Describes a study that investigated the effects of images on vocabulary retention among college students who read lists of unfamiliar words and definitions. One group read sentences using unknown vocabulary words. Another group read the same sentences with drawings depicting major points. Images significantly improved student performance,…

This 96-item annotated bibliography presents annotations of all vocabulary-related work produced by the Johnson O'Connor Resource Foundation since its establishment in 1927. The bibliography also contains source listings for topics other than vocabulary. The bibliography begins with a discussion of Johnson O'Connor (director of electrical…

This study was designed to answer two questions: Will the percentage of utility for a group of phonic generalizations in a college-level vocabulary sample be similar to generalizations in a primary-level sample? Will qualitative differences in the types of phonic generalizations be apparent? A 1,495-word sample was selected from George Feinstein's…