There is a difference between understanding a word while reading, and applying a word in speaking and/or writing (Nation, 2001). In order for my students to be successful English speakers, they must continue to expand their vocabulary not only by knowing the definition of a word, but to also use it in their daily life. Looking at the six facets of understanding, by Wiggins and McTighe, I am going to focus on two: explaining and applying. The transformation I would like to see in my students is for them to become teachers themselves, be able to help and clarify the meanings and relationships of words like synonyms and antonyms, to their classmates. The definition of application in the context of a classroom is the ability to use knowledge effectively in new situations and diverse contexts. Currently, my students understand the vocabulary words only in the context given to them in the weekly reading, but when placing that same word in a different context, they don‘t always comprehend what it is the word is referring to.
The transformation I expect from my teaching is to have more of a differentiated classroom in the sense of giving students options of ways to explain and define their vocabulary words. In addition, I would like to recognize the correct use of a word by a student and encourage them to help their fellow classmates when they are having difficulty understanding and applying a word. Furthermore, I would like to have better documentation of students‘s use of a new word. This will allow me to look over and consider my teaching methods.
After thinking of what I want to happen in my classroom, this is where the need to have technology available in the classroom that will aid in the development of their vocabulary appears.
The transformation I expect from my teaching is to have more of a differentiated classroom in the sense of giving students options of ways to explain and define their vocabulary words. In addition, I would like to recognize the correct use of a word by a student and encourage them to help their fellow classmates when they are having difficulty understanding and applying a word. Furthermore, I would like to have better documentation of students‘s use of a new word. This will allow me to look over and consider my teaching methods.
After thinking of what I want to happen in my classroom, this is where the need to have technology available in the classroom that will aid in the development of their vocabulary appears.