Communicating concepts in ways that all students in the classroom, with their various learning styles, can understand is a real challenge. Sometimes, as teachers, we find ourselves using vocabulary that is unfamiliar to our students. Crystal Williams from Kirtland Central High School in New Mexico shared that she tends to draw from a large vocabulary when communicating with her students, so she has developed her “Nerd Word” system. When her students “catch” her using a large or unfamiliar (nerd) word, she writes the word on the board. Students then receive extra credit for completing a vocabulary square using the ‘nerd word’. This process motivates students to explore new words and to experience a larger vocabulary.
Another issue students often face is unfamiliar vocabulary on tests. I discuss the importance of teaching test vocabulary in some of my seminars, but sometimes students need other options. Rachael Woolbright from Rockwell Charter High School in Utah suggests allowing written responses on multiple choice tests. If a student is unsure of an answer, they can write in another answer they think is correct. This strategy also benefits extroverts who need to be able to process their answers more deeply than multiple choice testing allows.
Joelle Brummitt-Yale offers some additional vocabulary specific strategies in her article, “Effective Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary.” Take a look and remember to consider the vocabulary you use when working with your students.