Download Word-Learning Strategies

Chapter 12: WordLearning Strategies
Teaching Reading Sourcebook
2nd edition
Research on Word-Learning
Strategies
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Word-learning strategies can help students to
determine meanings of unfamiliar words
independently and transfer the strategies to
other words.
Effective word-learning strategies include
how to
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use dictionaries to confirm and deepen
knowledge of word meanings;
use morphemic (word-part) analysis to derive
meaning;
use contextual analysis to infer meanings of
words in text.
When to Teach
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Morphemic analysis is appropriate for
students beginning at fourth grade. Instruction in
compound words, word families, and simple affixes
begins by second grade.
Vocabulary can be acquired through use of context
clues in reading and listening. Beginning in
Kindergarten, teachers can model the use of context
clues when reading aloud.
By grades 2 and 3, students begin learning to use
context clues independently.
Middle grade students (grades 4-8) may begin using
a combination of morphemic and contextual
analysis.
When to Assess and Intervene
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Assessment that is tied to the instruction will
provide better information about students’
specific learning of word learning strategies.
The multiple-choice format of most
standardized tests can also provide a more
global measure of vocabulary.
What is central to word-learning strategy
assessment is a process such as thinking
aloud or self-evaluation, that reveals the
student’s metacognitive thinking.
Dictionary Use
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Mechanics of using a dictionary
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finding an entry alphabetically
using guide words
separating words into syllables
using pronunciation keys
Translating dictionary definitions into word
knowledge
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finding the appropriate definition to fit the context
confirming and deepening knowledge of a word
Morphemic Awareness
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Key instructional elements in morphemic
analysis include
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Root words and word families: teaching root word
and its derived forms;
Compound words: contain two free morphemes
that stand alone as two word parts;
Greek and Latin Roots: bound morphemes that
cannot stand alone as words in English;
Cognate Awareness: words in two languages that
share a similar spelling, pronunciation and
meaning.
Contextual Analysis
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Types of helpful context clues in text
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Definition: direct definition within the sentence.
Appositive: a word or phrase that defines or
explains a word that precedes it.
Synonym: a word or phrase that is similar in
meaning.
Antonym: words that mean the opposite or in
contrast.
Example: several words or ideas as examples
General: non-specific clues to meaning
Types of unhelpful context clues in text
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Misdirective: direct reader to incorrect meaning
Nondirective: do not direct reader to any particular
meaning of the word