We have included academic vocabulary words in CSI Kits 3, 4 and 5. Why?
Leading researcher Robert Marzano (2006) summed it up, in his evaluation of the ASCD Building Academic Vocabulary program: “students who participated in the [Building Academic Vocabulary] program exhibited greater ability to read and understand grade appropriate materials in mathematics, science and general literacy…” CSI has general vocabulary words featured too, and it has a unique approach to linking vocabulary to students’ background knowledge – using hypertext to provide word definitions (glossaries), pictures, and video to make CSI text more accessible, especially to ELL students and struggling readers.
CSI's approach to vocabulary instruction is modeled on the National Reading Panel Report, which states that vocabulary should be taught both directly and indirectly, with an emphasis on repetition and seeing vocabulary words several times. The panel stressed, "Learning in rich contexts, incidental learning, and the use of computer technology all help children develop larger vocabularies. A combination of methods, rather than a single teaching method, leads to best learning." CSI supports this approach by providing vocabulary support to teachers and students both indirectly and directly, with repetition of key terms and the use of computer technology and traditional hardcopy glossaries.
More information can be found in the CSI teachers' guide, or feel free to post comments and questions below.
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| Neale Pitches CSI co-author |
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