1. The Art of Science Learning
Developing New Vocabulary
2. !
"The limits of my
language means the
limits of my world."
Ludwig Wittgenstein
✍
Vocabulary development is an ongoing
process that requires systematic repetition
to help students learn (especially in
science education). Based on recent
research, most teachers tend to just
mention the words in class and assigning
new vocabulary to be learned, instead of
offering more effective vocabulary
development strategies.!
!
Creating learning experiences that are
rich in vocabulary along with visual
aids illustrating the meaning of new
words in meaningful context is the key
for vocabulary development. !
!
Students can retain the vocabulary
they find meaningful and useful.
Culturally relevant pedagogy,
cooperative learning, and technology
are ideal ways to engage student in
developing new vocabulary.
3. Instruction that includes both definitional information and
contextual information is likely to be more effective than
instruction incorporating only one type of information.
✍
(Mezynski, 1983; Stahl & Fairbanks, 1986)
Instruction that includes activating prior knowledge and
comparing and contrasting word meanings is likely to be more
powerful than simple combinations of contextual information and
definitions.
(Baumann, Edwards, Bo- land, Olejnik, & Kame’enui, 2003; Beck & McKeown, 1991)
✍
“Text and oral presentations are not just less efficient than
pictures for retaining certain types of information; they are way
less efficient. If information is presented orally, people remember
about 10 percent, tested seventy-two hours after exposure. That
figure goes up to 65 percent if you add a picture.”
✍
(John Medina, Brain Rules 2008)
4. !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Using Cognates !
Research shows that language acquisition benefits
from cognate awareness. The ability to use cognates
in a primary language as a tool for understanding a
second language is a fundamental strategy that we
need to develop in our English Language Learners. !
Cognates: words that
have a similar spelling,
pronunciation, and
meaning across
languages
Using Word Parts !
English Spanish
organism organismo
nutrient nutriente
observe observar
Knowing the basic components of a word helps on the
thinking process for comprehension of new vocabulary.
In addition, many words in English and Spanish share
the same roots in the Greek and Latin. Teaching
common root words and affixes is a great way to
empower students for the understanding of new words. !
!
unchangeable unchangeable=
Prefix Suffix
Root
6. !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
This document is a sample of the
material received by teachers
participating in the professional
development workshop “The Art of
Science Learning” The full version
includes a complete list of
recommended cognates and affixes
organized by objectives and grade
levels. !
!
!
Questions or comments about this
article, please write to:!
!
info@enablinglearning.com!
!
For more information about the
Workshop “The Art of Science
Learning” please visit: !
!
www.enablinglearning.com
Phone: +1 800 939 3833
Fax: +1 866 386 2136!