This article elaborates the importance of understanding vocabulary across the disciplines. Vocabulary is one of the areas that teachers of other disciplines should take a keen interest in as it enhances the understanding of the students. This article elaborates on how teachers can enhance the students’ understanding of the vocabulary in their disciplines, which subsequently results in a better comprehension of the subject. It provides the strategies that students can apply to refine their understanding of the technical vocabulary associated with concepts in English, mathematics, science and social studies.
The strategies that students can employ to refine their vocabulary knowledge include four square (also known as vocabulary squares) and the concept of definition word map. Four square is a square that is subdivided into four quadrants, with each designated for a specific kind of information. For example, the four quadrants could be subdivided into word, definition, example in application and purpose of the vocabulary word. Four square can be applied in all disciplines as it is easily adaptable. The concept of definition word map (CD) is simple and similar to four square. Beyond the dictionary meaning of vocabulary, CD allows the adaptation of the vocabulary terms to fit the particular needs of the vocabulary terms. Both four square and CD are applied effectively when used to explore polysemous terms, i.e., words which seem familiar but are used in technically different ways in the disciplines. For example work, a student may say studying is work, but in physics, work is determined by the distance and the force applied to move along the distance.
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To have a better understanding of the vocabulary and apply the vocabulary correctly, students need to understand the multiple dimensions of the word’s meaning. The article provides two strategies which help in providing opportunities for students to discuss terms and how they relate to each other, i.e., word sorts and categories. Word sorts require the students to categorize words into groups that they relate to. Categories are applied to identify words that do not relate in a certain group. The strategies identified above apply to the development of a clear understanding of the words and vocabularies used in different disciplines.
