Overview

Based on research from the Center for Applied Linguistics, this workshop focuses on the four recommended elements of vocabulary instruction and how to incorporate them into our ESOL teaching practice. A major focus will be on practical applications for our classrooms.

    Audience

    This professional development activity/course is designed for:

  • Novice and experienced teachers of adult English language learners who have completed <em>The Art of Teaching</em>.
Description

This engaging four-part workshop is designed to increase understanding of and provide practical resources regarding vocabulary instruction for educators working with ESOL learners. The workshop will focus on techniques to foster the vocabulary acquisition needed by our learners and outlined in the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE) and the Massachusetts ABE Curriculum Framework for ESOL (MA ESOL CFW). Using the research on vocabulary from the Center for Applied Linguistics, the workshop presenters describe how research-based techniques for vocabulary instruction can be incorporated into engaging activities in a variety of contexts for adult learners.

Part 1 September 29, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (face-to-face):

  • Hear a brief overview of research findings in vocabulary acquisition for ESOL learners (K–12) 
  • Discuss how this research is relevant to adult ESOL learners 
  • Consider connections between research, CCRSAE, MA ESOL CFW, and our learners
  • Hear an overview of the four key elements of effective vocabulary instruction
  • Take an in-depth look at elements 1 (a rich and motivating language environment) and 2 (strategic instruction of high-utility words)
  • Experiment and practice with a variety of learning activities and classroom practices designed to address these elements 
  • Set goals for Part 2

Part 2 (in your classroom and on Blackboard):

  • Try a new activity that helps foster a richer and more motivating language environment for your learners
  • Experiment with new ways to strategically choose high-utility words for your learners to learn and practice
  • Contribute to the group discussion on Blackboard, posting at least once
  • Reply thoughtfully to at least two posts from colleagues
  • Reference resources available on Blackboard, as needed 

 Part 3 October 13, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (face-to-face):

  • Review the four key elements of effective vocabulary instruction 
  • Share your experiences in the classroom 
  • Take an in-depth look at elements 3 (word learning strategies) and 4 (use of assessment to inform instruction) 
  • Experiment and practice with a variety of learning activities and classroom practices designed to address these elements 
  • Set goals for Part 4

Part 4 (in your classroom and on Blackboard):

  • Try a new way to teach a vocabulary-learning strategy
  • Experiment with new ways to use assessment to inform vocabulary instruction
  • Contribute to the group discussion on Blackboard, posting at least once
  • Reply thoughtfully to at least two posts from colleagues
  • Reference resources available on Blackboard, as needed 
  • Identify the most important takeaways and goals for implementing additional vocabulary instruction strategies in your teaching practice 

To register for Parts 1–4, register on Part 1 using THIS LINK. For more information, contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@hcc.edu

    Learning Objectives

    Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the four key elements of effective vocabulary instruction
    Create a more comprehensive and mindful approach to vocabulary instruction
    Create rich and motivating language environments and activities that promote word consciousness
    Strategically choose and instruct high-utility words (tools provided!)
    Promote independent word learning through explicit instruction of learning strategies
    Use assessment to inform vocabulary instruction
Prerequisites

The Art of Teaching

Date
10/13/2017 - 9:00 am to 10/13/2017 - 3:00 pm
Location

United States

PD Center
SABES English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center
Topic Area
ESOL/English Learners
PDP Eligible
No