This seminar will consider the development of Lexical Competence from several
points of view. Through a review of some of the core research in second language
vocabulary acquisition we will first try to dispel some of the "myths" about vocabulary
learning that are still prevalent among classroom practitioners and researchers. After
developing a basic understanding of how vocabulary should be tested, taught and
learned, we will then move on to consider a range of classroom vocabulary teaching
and testing techniques based on current research. Finally, we will look at and get
hands on practice in using a variety of online tools for testing, teaching and
conducting research on second language vocabulary acquisition. Papers required for
those who take this course for credit will ask participants to use and assess one of
the many online tools in the context of current research in this area.
This seminar is co-sponsored by Temple University Japan. The first three hours (Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.) are free and open to the public.
