Content-Area Vocabulary: Social Studies

Andrew Kennamer

Article SummaryO Vocabulary plays a critical role in

academic successO The more we encounter a word,

encounter it in different contexts, and use it, the better we understand that word.

O Students will have different levels of understanding a term but, by exposing them to the term multiple times, they will internalize new information about the word.

Summary ContinuedO Words can have different meanings depending

on the context and field they are used in (known as polysemous).

O Teachers must make sure to clarify the meanings of content-related vocabulary.

O A large percentage of the vocabulary in each content area contains affixes and root words that can be taught directly.

O Words need to be taught in the content area’s context. The words within a content area need to be taught in relation to one another so students understand important concepts.

Summary ContinuedO Teaching definitions of words does

not ensure understanding of words.O Reading and word consciousness

needs to be incorporated in all content areas.

O A simple framework for incorporating vocabulary is composed of preparation, explanation, application, and reinforcement.

Response to Article

Learning new words is a cumulative task that takes place gradually over time

It seems like common sense that we better understand a word the more we are exposed to it, but it is vitally important to remember when teaching Social Studies. In lectures, discussions, or activities it is important for the teacher to use the vocabulary terms as much as possible. This contextualizes the terms for students and shows them how to properly use the words.

Words with multiple meanings are common in the content areas.

Teachers must emphasize the context a term is used in. This is the best way to differentiate words with multiple meanings. By exposing the students to the word in the content area’s context as much as possible, students will quickly catch on to how it is properly used in that field.

Affixes and root words need to be taught

It is important for students to understand the meanings of affixes and root words because it can enable students to figure out the meanings of previously unknown words. Time constraints may not allow the teacher to teach affixes and roots words directly to students, but a reference sheet with commonly encountered affixes and root words could be given to students. The more they refer to the sheet, the better they will internalize the meanings of those affixes and root words.

Words need to be taught in relation to other words.

Once again, this seems obvious, but it is critical for teachers to remember to do this. When a whole group of related words come to mind when one thinks of a word, it is easier to remember its meaning and immediately puts the word in context.

Productive vocabulary instruction must extend beyond word definitions.

I completely agree that many definitions can be confusing when encountered for the first time. In cases like this, the definition does little to help one understand the word itself. When teaching vocabulary, context is everything. The definition is only one part of the puzzle. How it is used within the content area is incredibly important to helping students learn new terms.

Instructional Framework

The activity described is a simple effective way to teach new words to students. The chart is a great way for students to organize the information about words. I like the idea of having the students use the vocabulary in writing tasks to help them internalize their meanings and uses. I do not know that there is enough time to do activities like this every time a teacher introduces a new set of vocabulary. These activities may be better suited as homework assignments to reinforce the students’ understanding of the terms.