Question
What are the main challenges students with language disorders face in vocabulary acquisition?
Answer
Students with language disorders often struggle with vocabulary acquisition due to difficulties in verbal memory and executive functioning, which are critical for effective word learning and recall. These students may have trouble maintaining focus on verbal input, which can make it appear as though they aren’t paying attention, potentially limiting their engagement with new material. Additionally, their limited semantic networks mean they tend to retain words at a superficial level without forming the rich, interconnected web of meanings that supports robust vocabulary knowledge. This limitation affects both their breadth of vocabulary (the number of words they know) and their depth of understanding (their grasp of each word’s nuances and multiple uses).
To address these challenges, students with language disorders require repeated exposure to vocabulary words across different contexts. This repetition, combined with explicit definitions and contextual examples, helps them build more comprehensive semantic networks, enhancing both recall and understanding. Structured and varied practice is essential to support their vocabulary development, making it possible for them to achieve a more nuanced and applicable understanding of new words.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Vocabulary Interventions for Students with Language Disorders, presented by BeckyAnn Harker, PhD CCC-SLP.
