avatarMatthew Bamberg

Summary

Educators are encouraged to use technology platforms, particularly Quizlet, in conjunction with leveled reading selections to enhance vocabulary learning for English Language Learners (ELLs) through context-based methods.

Abstract

The article discusses the effectiveness of using technology platforms to teach vocabulary in context to ELLs. It emphasizes the method of frontloading, where students learn vocabulary from a specific reading selection before engaging with the text. This approach is supported by research indicating that understanding words in context aids in better vocabulary acquisition compared to rote memorization. The article suggests using Quizlet as a tool for creating study sets with vocabulary words and context from reading selections. While Quizlet does not provide leveled reading materials directly, it can be paired with resources like Reading A-Z, Scholastic, or Newsela to create custom study materials. The article also references scholarly work to support the use of varied teaching modalities for diverse learning styles.

Opinions

  • The author advocates for the integration of technology platforms in education to enhance vocabulary learning, particularly for ELLs.
  • Frontloading vocabulary is presented as a superior method for teaching and learning words in context, as opposed to mere memorization.
  • Quizlet is recommended as a valuable educational tool for creating context-rich vocabulary study sets.
  • The article suggests that educators should utilize a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
  • There is an opinion that platforms like Newsela could further benefit students by providing more comprehensive vocabulary development for learners with low English proficiency or those reading below grade level.
  • The author believes that combining different educational platforms can effectively address the diverse needs of students when learning new vocabulary.

Learning-to-Read Technology

Vocabulary Learned Best in Context

ChatGPT has answers to combining platforms for teaching and learning words from specific reading selections

Reading needs to be encouraged in every-which-way. Photo by Matthew Bamberg

Many educators talk and write about how to use technology platforms for teaching and learning.

Yet rarely do they discuss combining platforms for more efficient teaching.

I came across an example when teaching a course about English Language Learners (ELLs) to graduate students relating to reading that parents and teachers can easily use.

The idea is to have students learn vocabulary words in a context that is specific to a story or article on another technology platform before they begin reading an article or story.

The term for this teaching method, which is especially effective for ELLs is called frontloading, or previewing the words.

Hawkins, et al. (2011) posit that previewing vocabulary was a method that helped students understand the meaning of the words and improve their vocabulary acquisition.

I suggest to all of my university grad students that they have students learn vocabulary words by taking words directly from specific reading selections that align with the curriculum and standards they are teaching before they read.

The above can be substantiated by Jitendra, Edwards, Sacks, and Jacobson (2004) who explain that simply memorizing the definition of a word does not mean that true comprehension of the vocabulary word was mastered. Moreover, students learn vocabulary terms in different ways, as each individual has unique skills and preferred learning styles. Educators must use a variety of teaching modalities such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic to best meet the needs of each student.

Yes, ChatGPT is used as a reference to this article, so readers can learn how to use it to find new teaching and learning methods by asking it a series of questions.

So here we go:

Mission: To reinforce the teaching of vocabulary words in context for a specific story or article that comes up in a variety of platforms.

Step One:

Enter the following into the ChatGPT:

platform for previewing vocabulary words using context site:.edu

I use the operator site:.edu, so ChatGPT only looks through sites related to education.

ChatGPT Response: Sure thing! When it comes to previewing vocabulary words using context on educational platforms, there are a few great options available. One popular platform is Quizlet.

It allows users to create flashcards with vocabulary words and provides various study modes, including context-driven learning through sentences or definitions.

Another option is Vocabulary.com, which offers engaging activities and context-rich exercises to learn and understand words in different contexts. Both platforms are widely used in educational settings and can be valuable resources for previewing and learning vocabulary.

I found out that Quizlet is the first platform I’ll use.

To get an idea about how to use Quizlet without having it automatically use a story or an article on another platform, I give you this:

Step Two:

Enter the following:

how to enter vocabulary words with context from a reading selection in Quizlet

Chat GPT Response: Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enter vocabulary words with context from a reading selection into Quizlet:

  1. Log in or Sign up: Go to the Quizlet website or open the Quizlet app and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, sign up for free.
  2. Create a New Study Set: Click on “Create” or the “+” icon to create a new study set.
  3. Enter Title and Description: Give your study set a title that reflects the reading selection or topic. Add a description if needed to provide context for the set.
  4. Add Terms and Definitions:
  • Click on “Add a term” and enter a vocabulary word from the reading selection.
  • In the definition section, provide the meaning of the word or a sentence from the reading that shows the word in context.
  • You can also include additional information, synonyms, or examples to enhance understanding.
  1. Continue Adding Terms: Repeat the process for each new vocabulary word from the reading selection.
  2. Edit and Organize: Review the terms and definitions you’ve added. You can edit, reorder, or group them into different sections to better organize the study set.
  3. Save and Study: Once you’ve entered all the relevant terms and their contexts, save your study set. You can then start studying immediately or come back to it later.
  4. Study Tools: Quizlet offers various study modes like flashcards, learn, spell, test, and more. Explore these options to reinforce your understanding of the vocabulary.

Remember, Quizlet allows you to customize your study sets, so feel free to add images, audio, or other helpful details to make your learning experience more engaging and effective.

Step Three:

Can you link Quizlet to leveled reading selection?

Response: Quizlet itself doesn’t directly offer leveled reading selections within its platform.

However, Quizlet can be used in conjunction with leveled reading materials to create study sets, flashcards, or quizzes related to the content.

You can find leveled reading selections from various educational publishers or websites such as Reading A-Z, Scholastic, or Newsela.

Once you’ve chosen a leveled reading selection, you can use Quizlet to create study materials based on the text. For instance, you can create flashcards with vocabulary words, key concepts, or quiz questions related to the reading material.

To link Quizlet to your leveled reading selection:

  1. Choose a reading selection from a leveled reading resource.
  2. Identify important terms, phrases, or concepts from the reading.
  3. Create a Quizlet study set by inputting these terms along with their definitions or context from the reading.
  4. Use Quizlet’s features to study, such as flashcards, games, or quizzes, to reinforce learning.

Remember, Quizlet is a versatile tool that can complement various educational materials, including leveled reading selections, by allowing users to create custom study materials based on the content they are studying.

The Future

Newsela contains few marked higher-tier words in articles and few specific pre-reading activities to meet the comprehension needs of low-English proficiency ELs and students reading well below grade level.

More vocabulary development is needed for these students.

Combining platforms in education is a great way to address many modalities when students learn vocabulary words.

Scholarly References

Jitendra, A., Edwards, L., Sacks, G., Jacobson, L. (2004). What research says about vocabulary instruction for students with learning disabilities. Exceptional Children, 70(3), 299–322. doi: 10.1177/001440290407000303.

Hawkins, R. O., Hale, A., Sheeley, W., & Ling, S. (2011). Repeated reading and vocabulary‐previewing interventions to improve fluency and comprehension for struggling high‐school readers. Psychology in the Schools, 48(1), 59–77. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.20545

Reading
Education
ChatGPT
Illumination
Learning
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