Another Way to Construct Word Lists

Have you ever wondered why a Student can read one word with ease, whilst having problems with another word, often one which appears much more simple?  Use the links below to discover some of the answers.

Introduction

There are many reasons why this might be the case, longer words often have more interesting shapes.  They are more memorable than the shapes of smaller words, which can look very like each other (in, an, and on, are very similar at first glance). Alternatively, the Student may have a special interest in the word (it could be the name of a "Pop Group", favourite TV programme or relation, and therefore have been motivated to learn it.

However, this paper looks at another source entirely, the world of work.

Laurence Murphy’s World of Work

In 1972 one of our Students left school, went to the Job Centre, and following his first interview joined a company which specialised in the production of parts for disability aids and equipment. He has been there ever since.

Originally it was a family owned business, but today, it is a subsidiary of a parent company based in Germany. In the thirty odd years he has worked there, Laurence has seen great changes, and in particular a gradual move away from steel and leather components to a greater concentration on the use of various plastics.

Discovering Words at Work

One day, we asked him to write out a list of words he used at work, and a fortnight later he appeared with four pages from a notebook, covered in words, with two columns to each page. Some of the words even had small sketches alongside them to show exactly what they meant. Later on, Laurence brought samples of the materials he uses to the Club, and told us all how he uses them for the parts of equipment he makes.

This list of words, (set out in the table below) is astounding; not only in terms of its length but also its variety. There are many words which appear but rarely in normal conversation, but here was Laurence reading them with evident familiarity from daily usage.

How to Exploit the Approach

Not surprisingly there were some spelling mistakes, and we began to work upon them. As we progressed, it became clear that this word list formed an ideal basis for developing further word lists to expand Laurence’s reading and written vocabulary. In short it "kick started" a whole new area for literacy development.

Developing Word Lists for Your Student

Have a look at Laurence’s word list. Could your Student produce a similar list from their work place, pastime or family environment? Could you help your Student write such a list to help them get a job or develop a hobby or interest?

Remember, motivation is the key to learning; Laurence’s motivation was to keep a job he enjoyed. Explore your Student’s motivations and exploit them.

Picture of Laurence's List

Click on this link to enlarge the picture and see an index of samples from Laurence's list of words.

Click on the thumbnail picture to enlarge it