ED PS 6840 - Vocabulary Theory and Instruction

The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to a growing body of theory and research on vocabulary and vocabulary instruction. We will begin with a theoretical orientation to vocabulary acquisition as conceptualized in the field of cognitive psychology. From there, current theories of vocabulary will be discussed and explored. These theories will be related to research on teaching for breadth,depth. and levels of vocabulary knowledge. Within this framework, research on vocabulary learning and vocabulary instruction will be read and discussed. We will discuss the implications of all this research for evidence-based instructional approaches, including selecting vocabulary to teach, and instruction for English language learners and diverse populations, from preK-12. We will also discuss the critical role of vocabulary in reading comprehension. Finally, we will read classic studies on vocabulary instruction and discuss their implications for classrooms preK-12.The course will be conducted as a seminar. In addition, there will be a strong activity component to the course. Students will develop, implement and evaluate vocabulary programs in their classrooms. The goal of the course is for students to develop a deep level of understanding about the nature of vocabulary learning and instruction and about the critical role that vocabulary plays in reading comprehension.