Building Vocabulary: Strategies to support EAL learners

How do learners truly come to know a word and how can teachers make vocabulary learning more powerful and enduring? This course explores the research behind effective vocabulary instruction and equips teachers with practical tools to build learners' word knowledge across subjects. Drawing on linguistic and cognitive principles, the course examines why explicit vocabulary teaching is essential for comprehension, expression, and academic success. Teachers will explore vocabulary tiers, identify high-value words relevant to their subjects, and learn evidence-informed strategies for introducing, revisiting, and securing new vocabulary. Key themes include: - What it means to 'know' a word. - Vocabulary tiers and their application across subjects. - Etymology, morphology, and collocation as tools for understanding. - Strategies for explicit teaching and regular review. - Strengthening cross-curricular links thorugh shared vocabulary. Course outcome: Teachers will have a research-informed framework for effective vocabulary instruction, enhanced linguistic knowledge, and practical strategies to support all learners in developing rich, lasting vocabularies that improve understanding and attainment.