Vocabulary Strategies

How to really learn and remember new words

Note Guide

• P• A• S• S• I• O• N

What is a vocabulary strategy?• Vocabulary is the group

of words used in relation to a subject

• A strategy is a careful plan or method to achieve something

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1997)

What is a vocabulary strategy?• A vocabulary strategy

is a method used to learn new words related to a certain subject – in this case Biology

Who needs a vocab strategy?• Anyone who wants to

succeed in – High School– College– Work

Why use a vocabulary strategy?

• A strategy will help you to really learn and remember new words

• Just writing a list of definitions does not help you to remember them

Riedl, (2008)

When should a strategy be used?• With complicated words• With technical words• With any word you think

is interesting• With any word you think

is confusing• With any word you know

will be on a test

When should a strategy be used?• At the beginning of each

chapter• When new vocabulary

words are assigned• As you read the text• Any time you think you

will need to remember a new word

Let’s practice

• Vocabulary for the Scientific Method will be shown in a Word Splash

• Look at the words• Are there any familiar

words?• Can you predict any

relationships between the terms?

Scientific Method

Hypothesis

Experimentation

Data

Variable

Control

Observation

Inference

Interpretation

Theory

Law

Riedl, (2008)

How can I learn all these words!?!• Use context of the

reading to learn new words with

(Unrau, 2008, Chap 5)

PASSION

• PAUSE: When you see a new word STOP!

• It might be tempting to skip the word but you must PAUSE so you can think.

• Maybe you can predict the meaning.

PASSION

• ACCESS MEMORY: think about the word.

• Have you ever seen or heard it before?

• Do you know any similar words?

• Can you remember its meaning?

PASSION

• Examine the STRUCTURE of the word.

• Break the word into its parts and look for clues to its meaning.

• What is the word root?• Does it have a prefix or

suffix that you already know?

PASSION• SYNONYM PLAY: Are

there other words in the context that mean the same thing?

• Clues for synonyms include – In other words– Such as– Also known as– Sometimes called

(Vocabulary in Context, 2005)

PASSION

• INVESTIGATE THE CONTEXT:

• What clues can you find in the new word’s sentence?

• Is the meaning explained?• Definition clues include:

– Is defined as– Means

(Vocabulary in Context, 2005)

PASSION

• OUTSOURCE: If you can’t figure out the meaning of the word use an outside source, such as:– Glossary– Dictionary– Another student

PASSION

• NOTE IT DOWN: Make a vocabulary card for the word.

• Write the word on the front of the card.

• On the back, write– Definition (in own words)– Synonyms– Drawing that represents

the term

Now you have a strategy

• You can use context clues to learn words with

• Using Inspiration® software to create vocabulary flashcards

• Word Maps• Word Parts• Vocabulary Self-collection

Strategy

Graphic Organizers

• Students will be given a learning map of essential questions and key vocabulary as part of the Learning-Focused® program.

• Students will also receive a note taking guide with the PASSION acronym down the left side.

Learning Map

Unit Essential Question: What makes science different from other fields of study?

Lesson Essential Questions

•How is a scientific question or hypothesis created?

•How is a hypothesis tested?

•How is a conclusion formed from data?

•What makes a scientific experiment controlled?

Key Learning: Science is learned through investigative and inquiry processes.

References• The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

(1997). Springfield, MAL Merriam-Webster, Inc.

• Riedl, C. (2008). Vocabulary instruction: a Learning-Focused® model. Boone, NC. Learning-Focused Solutions, Inc.

• Unrau, N. (2008). Content area reading and writing: Fostering literacies in Middle and High School cultures, 2nd Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

References• Vocabulary in Context. (2005,

October 5). Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.montgomery college.edu/~steuben/vocabularycontext.htm