Word Selection

Word Selection for Explicit Instruction (Archer, 2008)
Strategically select a relatively small number (3-10 per reading selection) of words for explicit instruction.
Select words that
  • are unknown
  • are critical to the meaning
  • will likely be encountered in the future
Word Knowledge - Degrees of Knowing (Adapted from Word Wise and Content Rich, p. 8)
  • Know it well; use the word; can explain it
  • Know something about it; can relate it to a situation or recognize it in context
  • Have seen or heard the word; do not know what it means
  • Do not know the word
Three Types (Tiers) of Words Students Need to Know (Adapted from Word Wise and Content Rich, pgs. 12-14)
  • General (Tier 1) Words - basic for reading; typically in spoken vocabulary
  • Specialized (Tier 2) Words - high-utility terms that often change meaning in different contexts; critical for understanding
  • Technical (Tier 3) Words - bound to a specific discipline; selected based on future utility and relative importance in facilitating or blocking understanding
  • Word Tiers - Lesson Plan
  • Introducing New Vocabulary

Academic Vocabulary
Academic vocabulary refers to the specialized, high-utility words used in the classroom
Academic vocabulary includes high-use academic words (e.g., analyze, summarize, evaluate, formula, respond, specify)
Academic language includes the vocabulary, grammar & syntax necessary to competently discuss a topic

Selection Criteria (Adapted from Word Wise and Content Rich, pgs.25-29)
  • representation
  • repeatability
  • transportability
  • contextual analysis
  • structural analysis
  • cognitive load
Activities