ROSS RANGOTT -

COMPARING STUDENT SELECTED VOCABULARY FROM THE NGSL AND COCA : CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT

The selection and memorization of high frequency vocabulary from word lists such as the New General Service List (NGSL) and the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) can empower language learners by equipping them with valuable word choices. Ensuring that learners have sufficient chances to revisit their chosen words in a variety of contexts poses a challenge for students and teachers alike. Cultivating productive ability requires repeated meetings of new words, and opportunities to use them in suitable contexts. Compiling sublists from student selected vocabulary can be an efficient tool to design tasks that ensure a class of learners have opportunities to encounter their previously selected words and are provided with chances to use them. This presentation explores the differences between two English communication classes that were asked to select words for decontextualized study beginning at the 2nd 1000 word-level from the NGSL and COCA respectively. Differences in the sublists compiled from each classes’ vocabulary selections, and the implications for task-design and classroom teaching will be explored.

Ross Rangott is from Brisbane, Australia. He is an Assistant Professor for the School of Business Administration at Hitotsubashi University, Japan. He is currently teaching Academic English subjects. His research interests include Vocabulary Acquisition and Teaching English as a Second Language.