Keywords is a teaching activity that encourages close reading of texts. On this video, you will see:

  • What the approach is and the research that supports it.
  • How to implement.
  • How to adapt it to different teaching contexts.
  • How to use a planning tool to help you implement.

Why is this teaching technique effective?

”Keywords” connects to the literature on teaching and learning in a number of ways. It slows pace – and a slow, deliberate focus on vocabulary is a key part of deep reading (Mikics). It addresses insufficient knowledge – having a firm grasp of a text’s vocabulary helps a learner avoid insufficient prior knowledge, a key impediment to learning (Ambrose, et al). It helps students develop appropriate connections – which depends upon having a grasp of basic terminology and recognizing patterns of usage (Clement, 1982). And it leverages collective investigation – particularly if you map out terms in class and facilitate a discussion – to gain a deeper understanding of a text (Wolfson).