What should students not do in vocabulary instruction?

What should students not do in vocabulary instruction?

• A. Engage in discussion.
• B. Copy definitions from the glossary.
• C. Use words in sentences.
• D. Play word games.

Answer: (B)

In vocabulary instruction, students learn best when they actively use and discuss words in meaningful contexts. Copying definitions from a glossary tends to be passive and superficial. When a student merely copies a definition, they’re not practicing applying the word, hearing how it’s used in real sentences, or connecting it to their own experiences. That shallow processing makes it harder to remember the word or flexibly use it later. By contrast, discussing meanings helps reveal nuances, using words in sentences builds fluency and helps see how the word fits with grammar, and word games provide retrieval practice in a fun, engaging way. For example, taking a word like benevolent, talking about how it describes someone who is kindly and generous, and then writing a sentence such as “The benevolent donor funded the school library,” reinforces understanding far more than simply copying a definition.

In vocabulary instruction, students learn best when they actively use and discuss words in meaningful contexts. Copying definitions from a glossary tends to be passive and superficial. When a student merely copies a definition, they’re not practicing applying the word, hearing how it’s used in real sentences, or connecting it to their own experiences. That shallow processing makes it harder to remember the word or flexibly use it later.

By contrast, discussing meanings helps reveal nuances, using words in sentences builds fluency and helps see how the word fits with grammar, and word games provide retrieval practice in a fun, engaging way. For example, taking a word like benevolent, talking about how it describes someone who is kindly and generous, and then writing a sentence such as “The benevolent donor funded the school library,” reinforces understanding far more than simply copying a definition.