Teaching the Academic Word List

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Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow TESOL classmates, Tutera and Jaxson, on a presentation about teaching the Academic Word List (AWL) to second language learners. This experience highlighted the importance of making academic vocabulary accessible and engaging for ESL students. Here’s a recap of what we shared and learned.

The Importance of the AWL

The AWL, created by Averil Coxhead, comprises 570 word families frequently encountered in academic texts. These words, such as “analyze,” “evaluate,” and “indicate,” bridge the gap between conversational and academic English, providing students with tools to succeed across disciplines. For ESL learners, understanding and using AWL words is crucial for writing essays, participating in discussions, and understanding lectures.

Our Approach to Teaching AWL

To make the AWL more approachable, we designed a lesson plan that emphasized both interactive learning and practical application. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Warm-Up: AWL Charades

We started with a game of AWL Charades. Each team took turns acting out words from the AWL without speaking, relying solely on gestures. This activity was not only fun but also served as an engaging way to introduce the vocabulary. After the game, we discussed the meanings of the words, ensuring students could connect them to academic contexts.

2. Introducing the AWL and AVL

We provided a brief overview of the AWL and its counterpart, the Academic Vocabulary List (AVL). While the AWL focuses on general academic words, the AVL categorizes vocabulary based on disciplines like science, business, and humanities. Highlighting the differences helped students see the versatility of academic vocabulary.

3. Activities for Deeper Learning

• Compare and Contrast Exercise: We guided students through analyzing sample texts to identify and compare AWL and AVL words. This helped them recognize patterns and contextual usage.

• Collocation Practice: Using a worksheet, students practiced pairing AWL words with appropriate collocations, enhancing their ability to use these words naturally in sentences.

Why This Matters

Our goal was to make vocabulary learning meaningful and memorable. Activities like charades allowed students to associate words with actions, making them easier to recall. Additionally, integrating the AWL with real-world applications, such as academic writing and presentations, ensured the vocabulary had immediate relevance.

Final Thoughts

Teaching the AWL is about more than just memorizing words; it’s about empowering students to navigate academic environments confidently. Through this presentation, we learned the value of balancing fun and rigor in vocabulary instruction. Whether through games or focused exercises, engaging students in the learning process makes all the difference.