Building Academic Vocabulary: Teacher’s Manual

by Robert J. Marzano, Debra J. Pickering

In Building Academic Teacher's Manual, Robert J. Marzano and Debra J. Pickering give teachers a practical way to help students master academic vocabulary. Research has shown that when teachers, schools, and districts take a systematic approach to helping students identify and master essential vocabulary and concepts of a given subject area, student comprehension and achievement rises.

In the manual, readers will find the following

- A method to help teachers, schools, and districts determine which academic vocabulary terms are most essential for their needs

- A six-step process for direct instruction in subject area vocabulary

- A how-to to help students use the Building Academic Student Notebook. The six-step method encourages students to learn critical academic vocabulary by connecting these terms to prior knowledge using linguistic and non-linguistic means that further encourage the refinement and deepening of their understanding.

- Suggestions for tailoring academic vocabulary procedures for English Language Learners.

- Samples and blackline masters for a variety of review activities and games that reinforce and refine student understanding of the academic terms and concepts they learn.

The book also includes a list of 7,923 vocabulary terms culled from the national standards documents and other publications, organized into 11 subject areas and 4 grade-level categories. It puts into practice the research and ideas outlined in Marzano's previous book Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement. Using the teacher's manual and vocabulary notebooks, educators can guide students in using tools and activities that will help them deepen their own understanding of critical academic vocabulary, the building blocks for achievement in each discipline.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Linguistics

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In reading this book I was reminded of the importance of having students define new vocabulary in their own words. I was also appalled at the section on adapting the steps for ELL students, because, although I agreed with the use of native language, I felt the modifications implied a deficit, was simplistic, and in some cases conflicted with recent theories of language development.

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting companion piece but not a stand alone text. The list of words is fairly complete and well-thought out.

[Carrie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great ideas for vocabulary reviews and games!!! The IDEA of strategic academic vocabulary instruction as presented in this book is good, but I'm not sure how feasible/realistic it is, especially in a middle school or high school classroom. When we only see students for 40-80 minutes a day, it's hard to commit to giving up 60+ minutes a week just to academic vocabulary instruction - there's still potentially other vocabulary instruction, silent reading time, reading skills instruction time, content area instruction, RtI intervention time, etc. REALLY hard to commit to give up so much time. In the elementary school, maybe. At the upper levels, I'm having a harder time envisioning how it will work. But I'm definitely going to give this a go. And the lists of academic vocabulary words are helpful!

[Spacek Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was used for a book study while I was Superintendent at Inchelium School District No. 70. The district had adopted the Marzano Instructional Framework for its teacher evaluation framework. The book tied in with the building of academic vocabulary for our students. A six-step process was given for identifying vocabulary words. Review and games were a part of a program to reinforce vocabulary. The book was a short read and gave a lot of good ideas to accomplish the task.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer in how to choose most important academic vocab and how to systematically teach it. I'm still figuring out a way to build more of his practices into my regular schedule, but that's another story... Also have issues that it focuses on SS & Sci content vocal rather than "SAT" words for common use.

[Pen63 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow up book from his research book. This book contains some black line masters, although you may create your own after practicing his procedures in your class. These two books changed the way I taught math and science content after my sixth year of teaching. Vocabulary study, when done well, is a super efficient way to study content!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting ideas for a vocabulary notebook, games and comparison activities, but seems to be geared towards the upper grades. This idea of teaching vocabulary really takes the terms out of the context that the ELL kids especially need in order to grasp/remember a concept.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Janet Allen, but has good points.

[Temoca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read and reference guide. It reinforces what I already know in some areas, but it does help with new graphic organizer ideas. It's a nice addition to my teacher resources.

[Wendy Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effective ways of teaching vocabulary across the content areas.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good guide on how to choose academic vocabulary and includes instructions on how to implement Marzano's 6 step vocabulary instruction.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our staff was told to read this and implement these startegies this year. I was glad it was only 72pages of text. The rest of the book includes graphic organizers and word lists.

[Jessyca505 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Marzano by now? A fast read. I have used it with my MS ELA teachers to choose Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III words. A great resource for quick vocabulary games.

[Chandra]

Really amazing resource. My students love all of his games to review vocab.

[Geryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 'how' of Marzano's Teaching Basic and Advanced Vocabulary: A Framework for Direct Instruction. Many practical strategies and ready to take into the classroom activities.