Standards in English Language Teaching and Assessment
Plenary Speaker:
Keith Folse
10 Myths about Second Language Vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the hottest topics in our field today. That words are important in learning a language is not controversial. However, the exact role that vocabulary should or should not play in ESL classes is. A closer look at second language research can help us to understand some of the controversies and myths associated with ESL vocabulary teaching and learning.
In this talk, the speaker will offer possible answers to several important questions regarding ESL vocabulary, including: Should words be taught in lists? Should words be learned in context? Should words be learned by theme? What should we tell students to do when they don't know a word? What is our responsibility as teachers regarding vocabulary? What is our students' responsibility? Which is more important: grammar or vocabulary? What is the role of vocabulary in ESL reading? How important is vocabulary in ESL writing? What about in listening? What kinds of vocabulary exercises promote learning? What kind of dictionary should ESL students use when they look up words? It is hoped that the answers to these questions will encourage teachers and curriculum planners to focus much more on vocabulary.
Bio
Dr. Folse has a PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology. He has taught ESL/EFL for 23 years at various programs in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Japan, and Kuwait. He is the author of 26 textbooks on areas including ESL grammar, reading skills, composition, and discussion. He has done teacher training in the US, Morocco, Mexico, Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. His main areas of research interest are in explicit teaching methods, especially for L2 vocabulary, and his dissertation is one of the few empirical works on L2 vocabulary practice. He is currently the Coordinator for the M.A. TESOL program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Photo by Tony Quirke
