What is the effect of reading aloud on students' vocabulary acquisition?

Reading aloud significantly enhances vocabulary acquisition by providing students with exposure to rich and diverse language. When students listen to text being read aloud, they encounter vocabulary that they may not typically use in their everyday conversations or that may not appear in their independent reading materials. This exposure allows them to grasp nuanced meanings, understand context, and develop a deeper appreciation for language structure and vocabulary usage.

Moreover, reading aloud can model proper pronunciation and encourage active listening skills, which are crucial for comprehension. It creates a shared experience and can prompt discussion about new words, thereby facilitating deeper understanding and retention.

Engaging with vocabulary in this manner also supports various learning styles, allowing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners to benefit from the experience. Students are more likely to remember and use new vocabulary when they have encountered it in a meaningful context, rather than in isolation.