A small set of vocabulary development exercises was tried out in four classes in each of grades four, six, and eight. The instruction was derived from three general content areas: subject-area vocabulary, alternative language, and vocabulary from context. The tryout consisted of extensive pretesting, instruction, and posttesting. It was generally…

Content area teachers should be aware of the five levels of vocabulary with which their students must cope. The five levels include standard words at the least complex level, transitional terms that have different meanings in the content area than in standard usage, technical terms specific to the subject area, changeable terms (similar to…

Although vocabulary tests have not been well suited to subdivisions that yield scores for different attributes, they have often been used in this manner. The question of whether such subscores can be justified from a measurement standpoint was studied. Items of a vocabulary test were classifed into three categories; the words were presented in…

By dealing with the semantic area of English and Spanish clothing terms, the article shows some of the ways that vocabulary out of context in contrastive systems (viewed as a prerequisite to vocabulary in context) can be used. (SCC)

A technique is described for eliciting true communication in the elementary German classroom which is also applicable to more advanced study. Students define simple words in German and are encouraged to help one another build a cumulative definition. The instructor reinforces the concept of language as a social activity. (SW)

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)

Divides texts into two groups, the first of which teaches a selected group of words; the second teaches strategies for learning vocabulary as well as teaching a selected group of words. (EL)

Presents a method for teaching Greek and Latin work forms to promote comprehensive knowledge and improve retention. A self-study text is used in the class (meeting one-hour weekly), with students responsible for teaching creative games which utilize the scientific vocabulary. (JM)

This report describes a program for improving student vocabulary skills. The targeted population was fifth and sixth grade students in two growing middle class communities located north of a large midwestern city. The problem of low vocabulary skills was documented through observation of student reading and writings, teacher surveys, classroom…

Suggests that nonfictive writing typically employs a vocabulary different from that used in works of fiction. Characterizes the vocabulary of essays, asserts that students are usually not given enough assistance in acquiring such vocabulary, and offers steps for giving students help in acquiring the vocabulary of essays. (RL)

Offers strategies to make vocabulary study relevant to students. (MS)

Use of the Dynamic Assessment Procedure (DAP) to identify gifted students was investigated with 19 gifted and 20 average students (ages 9 through 15). Assessment, using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, of the highest receptive vocabulary level a child could achieve with adult mediation supported the DAP paradigm of…

Often parents don't realize just how much their children benefit from repeated readings. Repeated readings provide great opportunities to develop early literacy skills. Young children notice different things each time a book is read. Rereading provides an opportunity to expand a child's world as the parent follows his lead and picks up on the…

The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate lessons designed to teach a given number of words and the multiple meanings associated with each word. Methodologies employed in the presentation of the lessons were also evaluated. Four treatment groups were established: group 1 used the author-constructed lessons in a team learning…

Linguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociolinguistic aspects of word knowledge are examined. Vocabulary techniques are discussed according to how they build up word frequency, vocabulary growth in native speakers, underlying forms, semantic structure, word association, and case relations. (SCC)