FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Which type of strategy aims to improve students’ understanding of vocabulary?

1. Phonics instruction

2. Vocabulary strategy instruction

3. Comprehension strategy instruction

4. Writing strategy instruction

The correct answer is: Vocabulary strategy instruction

The focus of vocabulary strategy instruction is to enhance students' understanding of vocabulary. This type of instruction involves teaching students specific techniques for learning new words, understanding their meanings, and using them effectively in context. It emphasizes the importance of not only knowing the definitions of words but also understanding their usage within various contexts, which is critical for reading comprehension and effective communication. Through vocabulary strategy instruction, educators may implement techniques such as word mapping, semantic mapping, or context clues, which provide students with tools to expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to navigate texts. This approach directly targets vocabulary knowledge, helping students to develop a robust and versatile vocabulary that supports their overall literacy development. Other strategies, such as phonics instruction, primarily focus on the relationship between sounds and letters, while comprehension strategy instruction is geared towards understanding and interpreting texts as a whole. Writing strategy instruction improves students' writing skills and expression but does not specifically address vocabulary development in isolation. Therefore, vocabulary strategy instruction is distinctly aimed at enhancing students' vocabulary comprehension and usage.