QCE 520: Vocabulary Ideas

I have to admit, my readings for QCE are a mess, because I chose to file my readings by author alphabetically instead of simply binding the notes according to reading, writing and oral communication. This worked out well for the writing package, but it's turned out drastically because I can't find my reading package articles.

All the same, I appreciate being explicitly told the methods that we are to use to build vocabulary. I agree that teaching vocabulary is necessary, though I disagree with the methods used. I particularly hate the "word bank" method because it requires constant maintenance; though I can see how the artifact would be an excellent motivational tool, I have no doubt that such a methodology is tedious; given that reading in the current information age is quick and episodic, students cannot be expected to lug around a word bank exercise book everywhere they go. Personally, I have tried the word bank idea, but it didn't pan out as I expected; after a while, the freshness of the idea of maintaining a word bank wore thin.

This is a rather interesting point; it would be pointless to master words simply for the sake of showing off a thick, fleshy word bank exercise book to parade around. On the other hand, the idea of consistent vocabulary practice seems more appealing; it is less effort on the part of students, since most of the preparatory work is done by teachers. Students must be given a means to apply these new-found words. Vocabulary enhancement by productive skills would be more practical and effective.