Engagement is key to successful learning, particularly with an emphasis on vocabulary in the English classroom. This fall, freshmen took a deep dive into mastering vocabulary words through a hands-on project that centered on expert-level preparation for their peers.
With a predetermined list of vocabulary words all ninth graders should know, students were each assigned a vocabulary word and charged with the task of becoming an expert on that one word. Their primary responsibility was to create instructional slides that would serve as comprehensive study materials for their classmates. This assignment required a significant amount of research and creative thinking.
Students created detailed slides for their assigned word, which included:
● A visual representation of the vocabulary word to aid memory,
● A separate slide featuring an extensive list of synonyms to build nuance, and
● A slide with a rewritten definition in their own words to confirm deep understanding.
This preparation led to many intensive review sessions focused on improving understanding and preparing for the post-assessment. The quality of the student-created slides became a powerful tool for self-directed learning and peer review games. The overall emphasis on vocabulary expertise and resource creation proved to be an effective method for deep learning.