Handout 2. How to assess vocabulary There are a variety of ways to assess vocabulary. The most basic technique teachers use to assess vocabulary is to ask the definition of the word.The students are given their list of vocabulary and without the use of resources, they are to write out the definition for each word. While this technique is easy for the teacher to create and grade, it does not fully assess the child's vocabulary skills. Many students can memorize definitions, but many students can't use these words in writing and context. Here are some fun and creative ways to assess vocabulary.
Vocabulary games are a great way for teachers to assess if the students are understanding vocabulary. Some vocabulary games include, but are not limited to:
Crossword puzzles- This can be used for more of a formative assessment rather than summative assessment. Most likely, the student will do the puzzles correctly because with the process of elimination and the amount of letter blocks, students can put the words in the correct spots without having to look at every definition.
Word search- This is can be a formative assessment. The teacher provides the definitions and students search for the words in the word search. Students would have to write the vocabulary word next to the definition as well. This is just a fun way for students to study their vocabulary words. Students could use this as a study guide for the summative assessment.
Synonyms and Antonyms- An assessment over the synonyms and antonyms of a set of vocabulary words can be used as a summative assessment. If the vocabulary word is difficult for the students to remember the definition, associating a similar word may help the students use the word in writing and understand the meaning of the word in reading. Antonyms also help with word recognition. Here is an example of a synonyms and antonyms worksheet. This may also be used as a summative assessment.
Assessing During Reading- This worksheet includes a variety of different new vocabulary techniques. Students can choose a few words out of their vocabulary journal. These words should be ones students really struggled with or still do not fully comprehend. On the worksheet, students are asked to provide a synonym, antonym, root word, part of speech, and an illustration. As this worksheet is a little more advanced, students in upper middle grades or high school are best suited to complete this. The teacher can adapt this worksheet for specific grade levels. For example, for high school students, the teacher may want to take out the illustration section. The students should not write on the worksheet attached. If the teacher is providing the vocabulary words, he or she will list the words on this worksheet. The students will complete the sections of the worksheet on a separate sheet of paper
