Cebu International EFL Conference

Abstract of Paper

Author

Mark O. James,
Chair : Department of English Language Teaching & Learning
Brigham Young University—Hawaii
USA

Title
The Eight-Fold Path to Vocabulary Development

 
    Over the past decade or so, our profession has seen a fair amount of studies and recommendations regarding the teaching and learning of second language vocabulary.  As the result of a growing body of research and application, ESL/FL teachers now have a growing variety of resource materials to choose from, read, and apply.  Although “experts” have begun to detect patterns, from which conclusions and recommendations are being made, the complexity of this sub-field requires great effort to digest for the average teacher.

     The presenter will offer the “Eight-fold Path” from Zen Buddhism as an effective way for teachers to organize and think about the variety of ideas that are now available regarding second language vocabulary learning. This “Path” will also provide a way for teachers to easily discuss these insights with their students. The Eight-fold Path includes the following:  right understanding, right thoughts, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditation.   With the use of a handout, the presenter will cover each principle and how it can nicely summarize a body of insights extracted from recent research.

     To illustrate briefly, principle number seven (right mindfulness) is an effective label for understanding the roles that memory studies (e.g., spaced repetition) and metacognition can play in second language vocabulary learning. 

Bio: 

Mark has taught a variety of courses in the English as an International Language Program and B.A. TESOL program at Brigham Young University-Hawaii since 1981.  He received his PhD in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Hawaii in 1996.  He is the co-author of Beyond Words:  An Advanced Reading Course (Prentice-Hall) and former editor (12 years) of the TESL Reporter. He has presented numerous papers and workshops in the US, Canada,  Israel, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, China, and Mongolia.