This engaging three-part workshop is designed to increase understanding of and provide practical resources for vocabulary instruction for teachers of adult English language learners. The workshop will focus on techniques that foster the vocabulary acquisition needed by language learners and are aligned to the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS). Using the research on vocabulary from the Center for Applied Linguistics, the workshop presenters describe how research-based techniques for vocabulary instruction can be incorporated into engaging activities in a variety of contexts for adult learners.

Part 1 (face-to-face workshop) Friday, December 13, 2019 9:30am - 3:30pm:

• Reflect on research findings on vocabulary acquisition for ESOL learners (K–12) and relevance to adult ESOL learners
• Consider connections between research, MA ELPS, and your learners
• Identify four key elements of effective vocabulary instruction
• Explore four elements of effective vocabulary instruction (a rich, motivating language environment; strategic instruction of high-utility words; word learning strategies; and the use of assessment to inform instruction)
• Experiment with and practice a variety of learning activities and classroom practices designed to address these elements
• Set goals for Part Two

Part 2 (self-directed, in your classroom and online in the Blackboard learning management system) December 13, 2019 - January 24, 2020:

• Try new activities using the four elements of effective vocabulary instruction
• Contribute to the group discussion on Blackboard, posting at least once
• Reply thoughtfully to at least two posts from colleagues
• Reference resources available on Blackboard, as needed

Part 3 (virtual session on Blackboard) January 24, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am:

• Share with colleagues about effective vocabulary instruction strategies
• Identify the most important takeaways and goals for implementing additional vocabulary instruction strategies in your teaching practice

The total number of PD hours for this offering is 10:

• 5.5 for the face-to-face session
• 3 hours for the self-directed session and Blackboard discussion board sharing
• 1.5 hours for the final virtual session

PDPs are available upon request, contingent upon attendance at all three sessions, contribution to the online discussion, classroom implementations, as well as completion of a lesson plan incorporating vocabulary activities from the workshop, and a brief written reflection summarizing key takeaways.