How to Teach Vocabulary - Teacher Trainer reacts to a Vocabulary Lesson

Summary

The video showcases a language teaching method where an instructor, Laura, uses interactive techniques to teach vocabulary. Instead of just writing words on a board, she engages students by showing images, eliciting responses, and reinforcing the meanings through concept-checking questions (CCQs). Laura emphasizes natural pronunciation, word stress, and personal connections to words, making the learning process more memorable. The method also includes binary questions to confirm understanding and frequent repetition, helping students internalize the vocabulary effectively. This approach is practical for teaching vocabulary in an engaging, systematic way.

Takeaways

• 🎯 Eliciting vocabulary naturally helps learners engage more deeply with new words.
• 📝 Instead of simply writing words on a board, use images and questions to present language.
• 🎶 Using songs as a teaching tool can be effective, especially when pre-teaching key vocabulary.
• 🗣️ Pronunciation is modeled naturally by the teacher, encouraging students to mimic the correct pronunciation in context.
• 🔄 Concept Checking Questions (CCQs) are essential for ensuring understanding, especially when using binary or 50-50 options.
• 🔍 Visual aids, like images and body language, can help reinforce vocabulary meanings and usage.
• 🔤 Prompting students with the first letter of a word can guide them to the correct answer during elicitation.
• 🌍 Linking personal experiences to vocabulary helps make language more relatable and memorable for students.
• 📚 Drilling vocabulary and key phrases naturally solidifies language acquisition.
• 💡 Consistency in applying teaching techniques, such as CCQs and natural pronunciation modeling, leads to effective language learning.

Q & A

What alternative way of presenting language is being discussed in the video script?

The alternative way of presenting language involves using images, body language, and elicitation techniques, rather than simply writing words on the board. The teacher asks questions to prompt responses from students and drills vocabulary in a natural way.

How does the teacher use images to elicit vocabulary from students?

The teacher shows images to the students without naming them, then asks open-ended questions like 'What do you see?' to encourage students to guess the vocabulary. This leads the teacher to narrow down the vocabulary and confirm correct answers.

What is the purpose of concept checking questions (CCQs) in language teaching?

CCQs are used to check if students have understood the meaning and usage of new vocabulary. They often involve binary or 50-50 questions, making it easier for students to choose the correct answer and reinforcing comprehension.

How does the teacher correct and emphasize proper pronunciation?

The teacher corrects pronunciation by modeling the word clearly and marking stressed syllables visually, such as using a circle to highlight where the stress should fall. This helps students internalize the correct pronunciation and word stress.

What technique does the teacher use to teach the word 'promise'?

The teacher starts by eliciting the word 'promise' through hints and then expands on it by introducing related phrases like 'keep a promise' and 'break a promise.' The teacher uses natural pronunciation to model the phrases, making the language sound more authentic.

How does the teacher link vocabulary to personal experience in the lesson?

The teacher links vocabulary to personal experience by using relatable examples, such as sharing that both she and her husband have matching tattoos. This personal touch helps reinforce the meaning and usage of the vocabulary in a meaningful context.

What role does body language play in eliciting vocabulary during the lesson?

Body language plays a crucial role in helping students understand and guess the correct vocabulary. For example, the teacher uses gestures to indicate whether the word 'go' refers to going away or coming closer, guiding students to the correct answer.

Why does the teacher use 50-50 questions during vocabulary elicitation?

The teacher uses 50-50 questions because they provide two clear and opposite options, making it easier for students to understand and choose the correct answer. This method reinforces learning and ensures comprehension.

How does the teacher encourage natural pronunciation during the lesson?

The teacher encourages natural pronunciation by modeling how native speakers would say words or phrases in connected speech. For example, 'break a promise' is modeled as 'break a promise' with connected sounds, helping students develop more natural language fluency.

What is the overall impact of the teacher's approach on student learning?

The teacher's approach, which involves elicitation, visual aids, body language, and concept checking questions, helps students internalize language more effectively. The use of natural pronunciation, personal connections, and consistent drilling ensures that students not only learn vocabulary but also understand how to use it fluently in context.