Final Entry/Reflection on Vocabulary Learning

Keeping this vocabulary journal has been one of my favorite parts of class this semester.  Completing a vocabulary blog forced me to notice (and look up definitions for) words that I might previously have only noticed briefly and then forgotten about.  While completing this blog, I realized that most of my words were taken from conversations that I have had or books that I have read.  These two forms of communication seem to impact me the most.  Only a few of my vocabulary words were taken from television shows or commercials.  I also tend to focus on words that I encounter rarely, but that are also complex with numerous syllables.  The most interesting and enjoyable entries for me to complete were those involving a word that is completely new to me.  While completing these types of entries, I was learning the word as I completed my blog entry, which for some reason is extremely thrilling to me.

I benefited in many ways as a word learner as a result of keeping a vocabulary journal this semester.  First, the journal helped me to pay closer attention to the types of words that I encountered on a daily basis.  Knowing that I needed to find words for my vocabulary journal forced me to continuously be on the lookout for any unusual or unfamiliar words.  In addition, because I needed to know the words' definitions for my journal, I took the time to actually look up the meanings of those words that had attracted my attention.  If I had not been responsible for knowing the definitions of these words, I would most likely not have remembered to look up the word later (after reading it or hearing it).  As a result, while I may have paid more attention to the types of words I was encountering, I would not have actually learned any new words and their meanings.  Having access to other students' vocabulary journals also aided my word learning, as I was able to see the types of words others were using for their journals and, as a result, learn new words simply by reading others' vocabulary journals.

Taking the vocabulary tests helped me to focus on committing the words and their definitions to memory.  These tests also brought to my attention the words that my peers felt were important to know.  Also, since we had to be able to use these words in a sentence that reflects the context of the word as it was originally used, I found myself reading others' posts more carefully and studying words whose meanings I was already relatively familiar with.  The vocabulary tests definitely helped me to learn a more diverse set of words and to expand my overall vocabulary knowledge.  In addition, these tests helped me to notice what aspects of vocabulary learning might be challenging for my students.  As a result, I will be more aware of these challenges and better able to deal with any potential issues when they arise.

I think that keeping a vocabulary journal has helped me to notice when I come across words that I am unfamiliar with or whose meanings I am unsure of.  As a result of this increased awareness, I am sure I will continue to look up the definitions of any unfamiliar words.  While I don't think I will be able to keep up with posting 2-3 entries per week on my blog, it would be nice if I could keep posting from time to time, especially whenever I find a particularly unusual word.  Whenever I read, I remain aware of new words, and I plan to continue to build on this awareness by looking up the definitions of the new words that I encounter.  Hopefully determining these definitions (along with the occasional blog post) will be enough to help me commit these words to memory, as is usually the case.  However, I may need additional exposure to these words in order to remember their meanings.  The vocabulary blog has been extremely useful in helping me to commit the meanings of words to memory, as I keep returning to my blog in order to check my total number of entries, revise my entries, and nominate words for the VSS tests.  Completing this blog has really brought my attention to word learning and how to make the processes of word learning and vocabulary study more interesting and beneficial for my future students.

14:1 Malapropism

When and Where I Found It:  I was reading an article on dictionary.com that was discussing made-up words or phrases by those in government or in the media.  They referenced the term "malapropism" and challenged the reader to determine whether the words used were malapropisms.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "malapropism" is "an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound."  The website provides an example of this confusion of words:  "Lead the way and we'll precede."  The article that I read was debating whether Sarah Palin's use of the "word" "refudiate" is a malapropism. 
Malapropism (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malapropism

Level of Familiarity:  I think I have heard this word used once or twice in the past, but I never knew exactly what it meant until now.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, because, as an English major, I may have the opportunity to use this word at some point in my career.  I could even teach my future students this word, especially if public figures continue to misuse words the way they have been in the recent past.  This word seems to be a useful word to know.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well.  Since there are those who debate the credibility of public figures who misspeak and who "misuse words ridiculously," it would be beneficial for these people to know the correct terminology to explain this misuse.  Also, knowing that I have seen this word at least once before, I am aware of the fact that I (and others) may encounter it again in the future.  We should all be ready to know what this word means if it is used to explain the misuse of words by our public figures.  

13:2 Namaste

When and Where I Found It:  This word was the dictionary.com Word of the Day for Sunday, November 28th.  Also, when I used to take yoga classes, my instructor would say this word at the end of each session.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word is "a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom."  In addition, this definition also mentions that the word is "frequently a part of yoga practice."  Given this definition, it makes sense that my yoga teacher used this word at the end of our yoga sessions. 
Namaste (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2010/11/28.html
 
Level of Familiarity:  Previously, I have only heard this word used in my yoga classes.  Aside from that experience, I have not heard this word used in other situations. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well.  If I ever take yoga classes again, it would be helpful to know this word.  Also, many aspects of the Hindu culture fascinate me, so I would love to add this to the list of things that I know about Hindus.  


Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well, especially if they take yoga classes.  Also, those who know people who are Hindu would benefit greatly from knowing the meaning of this word.  I liken it to knowing that "aloha" means "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaiian.  It could be useful to know the meaning of "namaste," even if you never end up meeting any Hindus.  

13:1 Ennui

When and Where I Found It:  This word was an answer to a crossword puzzle that I was working on a few days ago.  The clue was "boredom." 

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word means "a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom."  
Ennui (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ennui

Level of Familiarity:  Previously, I had only seen the word once or twice before.  I think the word "ennui" was one of the selections for "current mood" on livejournal, back when I used to have an account.  I'm sure I looked up the meaning of this word when I first saw it, but it has been so long that I forgot its exact meaning.  When I was completing the crossword puzzle, I had a few letters already and the word "ennui" came to mind, but I wasn't completely sure this answer was correct.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because this is not the first time I have encountered this word.  I have a feeling that I will encounter this word again in the future, and I would like to remember the definition so that I will know the meaning of the word from now on.  Also, if "boredom" is used as a crossword puzzle clue again, I will now know the correct answer. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  While this word is not used incredibly often, I think that others would benefit from knowing this word.  If nothing else, this word is another way to convey that a person is bored or "discontent."  It is an interesting word to know.   

12:2 Diligently

When and Where I Found It:  A friend used this word to tell a bunch of friends that, while she had not been on Facebook in awhile, she was still "diligently stalking" all of us.  Of course, I found the comment hilarious and I loved her use of the word "diligently." 

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "diligent" means "consistent in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything."  A second meaning of this word is "done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking."  In essence, my friend was telling us that she is "attentively and persistently" stalking us, in spite of her hiatus from Facebook.  
Diligently (adv.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diligently

Level of Familiarity:  I have heard this word used many times before.  I love how the word sounds.  My favorite use of this word is on an episode of "The Office" (Season 3, Episode 22 "Beach Games") when Pam says, "There's nothing better than a beautiful day at the beach, filled with sun, surf, and, uh, diligent note-taking."

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because I have heard it used before, and I'm sure I have used the word in conversation as well.  I want to make sure that I understand the correct meaning of the word whenever I encounter it in print or in conversation.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well because this word is used rather often.  Others should understand what is meant when the word "diligently" is used.  Also, since this word was used on a popular show like "The Office," it implies that a vast majority of the population either knows this word or could determine its meaning in context.  If the word is being used on a widely-viewed type of television show, then the viewers should know the correct meaning of the word.  

12:1 Exorbitant

When and Where I Found It:  I used this word in conversation when I stated that there was an "exorbitant amount" of something.  I have used this word in conversation before, and I have also heard others use this word.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "exorbitant" means "exceeding the bounds of custom, propriety, or reason, esp. in amount or extent; highly excessive."  When I use this word, I think I usually intend it to mean "highly excessive."  For example, I told someone that I wrote an "exorbitant amount of comments" on her Facebook wall.  
Exorbitant (adj.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exorbitant

Level of Familiarity:  I have used this word previously, and I have heard others use this word in conversation as well.  Also,  I may have come across this word in the past while reading a book.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well.  Since I have used this word multiple times before, I want to be sure that I am using the word correctly.  
 
Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well.  I have heard others use this word in conversation, so it would be beneficial if everyone knew what this word meant.  Also, I'm fairly certain I've seen or heard the word used in advertisements to describe the competitor's "exorbitant prices."  Since this word is used rather frequently, I think that everyone should have at least a basic understanding of the word's meaning. 

11:3 Idioglossia

When and Where I Found It:  This is the Word of the Day today on dictionary.com.  I wanted to post another word this week, but I was having trouble finding a good one, so I decided to check dictionary.com to see if their Word of the Day was interesting. 

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word has two distinct meanings.  The first refers to "a private form of speech invented by one child or by children who are in close contact, as twins."  The second meaning refers to a "pathological condition characterized by speech so distorted as to be unintelligible."  
Idioglossia (n.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/idioglossia

Level of Familiarity:  I had never heard of this word before I found it on this website.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  While I will most likely never have to know this word's meaning again, I do think that it is an interesting word to know.  I find the fact that there is an actual condition in which speech is distorted to be intriguing, as well as the fact that this same word can also refer to an invented language by children. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I don't think most people will encounter this word on a daily basis, so I'm not sure that everyone necessarily needs to know this word well.  However, it is an interesting word to know.  Also, it would be good for parents and those in the medical profession to know this word, in order to explain the type of behavior the word refers to. 

11:2 Ameliorate

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading Teaching Writing by Gail Tompkins (2008) for my LTED 618 course.  The word was used in the sentence, "Marion Crowhurst (1991) identified several problems in children's persuasive writing that this organizational scheme can help to ameliorate" (Tompkins, 2008, p. 269).  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "ameliorate" means "to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate."  Tompkins (2008) uses this word to indicate that organizing a persuasive essay can help to improve children's writing.  
Ameliorate (v.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ameliorate

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this word, I had heard the word used in conversation and had read this word in books a few times.  However, I had never actually determined the correct meaning of the word.  Previously, I had only guessed what the word meant.  I had thought it meant "alleviate" or "get rid of."

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because I have already encountered this word in other contexts, and I am sure I will encounter this word in the future.  For these reasons, I think it is important that I know the correct definition of the word.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well because it is a rather frequently used word, especially in textbooks.  When others come across this word in writing or in conversation, it is important that they know what this word means.   

11:1 Antiquated

When and Where I Found It:  My dad used this word yesterday when discussing some old Christmas decorations that we have in our house.  He said that they are "antiquated."  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word means "continued from, resembling, or adhering to the past; old-fashioned."  The word could also mean "no longer used" or "obsolete."  My father meant this word as a way to describe how old-fashioned the Christmas decorations are.  Also, he could have meant that these types of decorations are not used by others.  In this case, either of the word's definitions seem applicable.  
Antiquated (adj.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/antiquated

Level of Familiarity:  I had heard this word used enough to know that it means old-fashioned and that it could also refer to an out-dated object or practice that is not used in the present-day.  However, I had previously never used the word myself in a conversation or thought in-depth about its meaning.  I think I remember the word's definition because, when spoken, the word has always sounded like "antique" to me, so I am able to associate both words with "old-fashioned." 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because I think it is an effective way to refer to an out-dated object, practice, or way-of-thinking.  Also, having heard this word used before, I'm sure I will come across the word again either in conversation or in writing, so I feel that I should have a good understanding of the word's meaning.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well.  While my dad doesn't like to read many books (although he reads the newspaper every day), he knew this word and its meaning.  As a result, I feel that others may encounter this word in conversation, so they should know at least a basic definition of this word.  

9:2 Etiolated

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading Wicked:  The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Maguire, 1995).  The word was used in the following sentence:  "She sat down, looking a bit etiolated, and allowed him to call for a cup of mineral tea" (Maguire, 1995, p. 108). 
Maguire, G. (1995). Wicked:  The life and times of the wicked witch of the west.  New York, NY:  HarperCollins.    


What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word means "to whiten or grow pale through lack of light."  I think this definition is particularly interesting, as the sentence in the book refers to how Elphaba looks, while the definition refers mainly to plants.  I like this comparison, since anyone who has read the book or has seen the musical knows that Elphaba's skin is green-colored, like a plant's green leaves.  
Etiolated (v.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/etiolated


Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this word in the novel, I had never heard of this word before.  I had no idea that the word was even a legitimate word, and I could only guess at its pronunciation.  Once I heard its correct pronunciation on dictionary.com, I realized I wasn't even pronouncing it correctly.  Also, when I first read the word in the sentence, I guessed that it could mean "irritated" or "uneasy."  Then I realized that, the way that the sentence is written, the reader could substitute a number of different words in for the word "etiolated," and the sentence would still make sense.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, simply because I was so completely unfamiliar with it prior to reading this novel.  Also, this is an interesting word to know, since I have seen plants that have changed to a pale color.  Now that I know the correct terminology for this action, I can use the word to refer to plants as well. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think it is not necessary that everyone know this term, as it is not a term that most people encounter on a daily basis.  However, it could be good to know this word, since it refers to plants, and most people have plants either in their houses or on their property.  Also, the popularity of the novel Wicked (Maguire, 1995) leads me to want to encourage those who read this book to at least have a basic level of familiarity with this word.  Otherwise, readers will miss Maguire's (1995) clever comparison of Elphaba's sudden lack of color to that of a green plant becoming pale. 

9:1 Impertinent

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading Wicked:  The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Maguire, 1995).
Maguire, G. (1995). Wicked:  The life and times of the wicked witch of the west.  New York, NY:  HarperCollins.   

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word means "intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions" and "insolently rude; uncivil."  This definition seems appropriate, as the word is used in the novel by the Wicked Witch to refer to Dorothy's "impertinent feet" that had possession of the red shoes (Maguire, 1995, p. 3).  Maguire (1995) uses the word "impertinent" to refer to Dorothy's "intrusive" or "rude" feet that currently hold the Witch's shoes (p. 3).
Impertinent. (adj.) In dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/impertinent

Level of Familiarity:  Previously, I had only heard this word a few times.  However, as I was reading the novel, I was able to determine a vague definition of the word based on context clues and my previous exposure to the word.  However, prior to checking the definition on dictionary.com, I had thought that the word's meaning was closer to "disobedient," rather than intrusive and uncivil.  I am glad that I clarified my own personal definition of this word by looking up the actual definition.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, since now I have not only heard it used in conversation, but I have also read the word in a novel.  I feel that it would be beneficial for me to know this word, as my own personal definition was not completely accurate.  Now, the next time I see this word, I will know exactly what it means.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well.  Since I read this word in a book that is quite popular (and that inspired an equally popular musical), I feel that many other people will be exposed to this word and should know what it means.  I think that, like me, many people have heard the word used before and have a vague idea of its meaning.  However, this vague idea could need a little refining, as mine did.  Thus, everyone should know the actual definition of the word and should know it well to prepare themselves for encountering this word in the future.      

8:2 Persnickety

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word in an advertisement for Sargento brand cheese products.  The word "persnickety" is part of their slogan, which is:  "Persnickety People.  Exceptional Cheese."

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "persnickety" means "overparticular" or "fussy."  It could also mean "snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob" or "requiring painstaking care."  Given this definition, it seems that Sargento is implying that the people who work for the company are fussy about their cheese and take great care with it, so that they are then able to sell a high-quality, or "exceptional" cheese.  
Persnickety. (adj.) In dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/persnickety

Level of Familiarity:  I have heard this word used many times before.  My parents have used this word in that past to describe me or my sister's behavior when we were young.  Hearing my family use this word has led me to use the word often in conversation.  Lately, I have used the word to describe my pet chinchilla's fussy eating habits.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because I use it often in conversation.  If I use this word, I want to make sure that I'm using it correctly and that the word's meaning can be applied to the situation that I am referring to.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think that others should know this word well.  The general public should definitely know this word well, since they are being exposed to this word in the advertisements for Sargento cheese.  I am assuming that the Sargento company would also advocate that its consumers are familiar with this word, so that they are better able to understand Sargento's slogan.  I believe that others should know the word's general meaning (not necessarily related to the cheese company) well because, not only is it a sophisticated way to refer to fussy behavior, but it is also an extremely fun word to say.   

8:1 Clerihew

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading the chapter about poetry in my Teaching Writing (Tompkins, 2008) book for my LTED 618 course.  This word was located on p. 253 of this book (Tompkins, 2008).

What It Means:  According to Teaching Writing (Tompkins, 2008), a clerihew is "a four-line rhymed verse that describes a person" (p. 253).  This type of poem was named after Edmund Clerihew Bentley, who originally invented it (Tompkins, 2008).
Tompkins, G. E. (2008). Teaching writing:  Balancing process and product (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:  Merrill.

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading the word in this chapter, I had never heard of this type of poetry before.  I was actually very surprised that this type of poetry had never been taught to me during the course of my education.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, since I could potentially teach this type of poetry to my students in the future.  If I do need to teach clerihews, I would like to know as much about this form of poetry as possible, so that I can teach it effectively.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think this word is important for other future English teachers to know, as it can be an interesting form of poetry to teach.  Students could have an extremely positive experience writing a poem about a famous person or about someone who is important in that particular student's life.  Since it is a relatively specialized word, it might not be necessary for everyone to know this word well, since many people will not encounter this word in their daily lives.   

7:2 Miscreant

When and Where I Found It:  I was watching an old episode of Gilmore Girls.  At one point in the episode, Rory called Logan a "miscreant" because she was angry at him.  

What It Means:   According to dictionary.com, miscreant is a noun (in this case) that means "a vicious or depraved person; villain."  Rory was so angry with Logan for playing a prank on her in class that she called him a villain.
Miscreant. (n.) In dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/miscreant

Level of Familiarity:  While I know that I have heard this word used once or twice before, I was unsure of its exact definition.  I knew that calling someone a miscreant is an insult, but I was always under the impression that "miscreant" referred to someone who "makes mischief" or plays tricks.  I probably figured that because "miscreant" and "mischief" sort of sound the same.  However, I had no idea that it refers to a "depraved person" or "villain."  The actual definition of the word is much harsher than I initially thought.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  I want to know this word well because I had only a basic understanding of it previously.  I want to know that I have learned the correct definition and usage of this word.  Also, the word is used so rarely, but it is such a powerful word, so I would like to know that I could use the word when the appropriate circumstances arise.

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think others should know this word well, because it is such a better, more sophisticated way to insult someone than the words that most other people use.  It would be nice if others knew this word and used it when they are upset with someone else, instead of using other language that might result in more conflict and a less mature argument.  

7:1 Unwieldy

When and Where I Found It:  One of my customers used this word to describe a large box of merchandise that she had in her cart.  When I went to turn the box so I could scan it, she said, "it's awfully unwieldy, isn't it?"

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word means "not readily handled or managed in use or action, as from size, shape, or weight; awkward; ungainly."  In terms of my encounter with this word, my customer meant that the box was so large that it was awkward to handle or to lift up to scan it.
Unwieldy. (adj.) In dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/unwieldy 

Level of Familiarity:  I have only heard this word used a few times before, and whenever it is used, it always makes me think of Juliet's line in "Romeo and Juliet."  In Act II, Scene V, Juliet uses the word "unwieldy" to describe older people as she waits for the Nurse to come back with news from Romeo.  Aside from this example, I had not heard this word used much in everyday conversation.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because it can be useful when describing something that is awkward to handle or bulky (which pretty much describes most of the merchandise at my store).  It is also fun to know a word that was used by Shakespeare.  Maybe knowing and using this word will help to keep it in use in the present-day as well.

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  When I have my own English classroom, if my students are studying "Romeo and Juliet," I will be sure that they know this word well.  It is a word that is not only useful to know in the context of the play, but it can also be used in present-day situations.  It would also be a good word for everyone else to know, since clearly it is used in conversation.  If I had not known this word when my customer used it, I probably would have been confused or would have thought she was crazy.  Instead, I felt like asking her if she was an English major.

6:3 Inchoate

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was ready Nancy Sommers' (1982) article "Responding to Student Writing" for my LTED 618 course.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, inchoate (pronounced in-koh-it) means "not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary."  This makes sense, as this word was being used to describe "ideas ready to be exploited in this paragraph" (Sommers, 1982, p. 154).  In other words, the author was stating that the ideas in that particular paragraph might be "rudimentary" or lacking complete development.
Inchoate. (adj.) In dictionary.com.  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inchoate

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to seeing this word in the article, I had never heard of this word before.  In fact, I was drawn to look up its definition specifically because I was unsure if it was a real word!  If this word had not been located in a journal article that I was reading for a graduate course, I think I would not have believed that it was a legitimate word; if I had read it somewhere on the internet, my initial thought would have been that this was a made-up word.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, since it is used in a course text.  In addition, I would like to be able to use this word in a sentence and be able to pronounce it correctly, as I was unable to do both of these upon first encountering the word.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think others should know this word because it is an interesting word and can be used as a good descriptor in place of other words, such as "rudimentary."  While this is not a word that everyone encounters in ordinary speech, I believe it would be beneficial for others to at least know that this word exists. 
 

6:2 Superfluous

When and Where I Found It:  I actually used this word in a conversation with my mom a few days ago.  While I can't remember the exact situation, I think I was asking her if I should delete a minor detail from a piece of writing.  I asked her if the detail was "superfluous."

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, superfluous means "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless."  I'm still trying to determine which definition is more appropriate to the context in which I was using the word.  Since I was asking my mom if I should remove the detail, my initial reaction was to go with the first definition, because I was considering removing a detail that delves further into an issue in my writing piece.  However, the detail could be "unnecessary or needless," which would lead me to believe the second definition is more appropriate in this circumstance.  
Superfluous. (adj.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/superfluous

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to using this word in my conversation, I have been exposed to the word through print, and I may have also heard the word used in conversation once or twice.  In spite of these limited experiences, I did know the correct definition of the word and how to use it properly in the given situation.

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, because I have already had some occasion to use it in conversation.  I enjoy knowing the definition of the word and knowing that I can use this word when appropriate.  In addition, I think this word is fun to say, so having a thorough sense of its definition will aid me in using this word in conversation whenever possible.

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think that others should know this word well, if for no other reason than to be able to understand when this word is used in conversation.  While it's not a word I hear entirely often, it is still used occasionally and would be beneficial for others to know.  

6:1 Verbose

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading chapter 4 in Word Wise and Content Rich (Fisher & Frey, 2008) in preparation for next week's class.  

What It Means:  Fisher and Frey (2008) use "verbose" as a descriptive word for people who are "too wordy," or who talk too much (p. 61).  The authors use this word to characterize one of the ways vocabulary skills can affect how we are perceived by others.  Dictionary.com supports Fisher and Frey's (2008) definition, as the website defines "verbose" as "characterized by the use of many or too many words."
Verbose. (adj.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/verbose

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this word in the text, I had heard it used in conversation a few times.  Through its contextual use, I had a basic understanding of this word, but I probably could not have provided an accurate definition.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because it can be used as another way to say that someone uses many (or too many) words to communicate.  I feel that this word can be helpful to know, since I have already come across it a few times and have not been completely certain of its correct definition.  Also, as an English major, I like this word and will probably have occasion to use it in the future.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think it would be useful for others to know this word, especially if they have heard it used in conversation in the past.  However, I'm sure that many people will never hear this word or want to use it in conversation, so it may not be necessary for everyone to know the word.   

5:3 Plethora

When and Where I Found It:  I came across this word as I was reading Malena's article for her reciprocal teaching session this week.  The word was on page 292 in "Digital Storytelling:  Extending the Potential for Struggling Writers" (Sylvester & Greenidge, 2009).


What It Means:  According to www.dictionary.com, "plethora" means "overabundance" or "excess."  When used in context of this article, "plethora" refers to the numerous amount of sources that students will draw from when choosing graphics for their digital stories.
Plethora. (n.)  In dictionary.com  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plethora

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to seeing this word in the article, I have heard the word used in conversation and have also used it in conversation myself once or twice.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because it is a useful term to use when you want to refer to a large amount of something.  It sounds much better to say "a plethora" of sources" than to say "a bunch of" or "a lot of."  Plethora is also a fun word to say out loud.

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think others should know this word well as it can be used in a number of different situations.  The word "plethora" can be used to refer to an overabundance of almost anything, whether it be papers, books, desks, grapes, or other objects.  Because of its versatility, I believe that everyone should know what the word "plethora" means and should be able to use the word in conversation or writing.

5:2 Schemata

When and Where I Found It:  I found this term as I read the article "Counterpart Strategies:  Fine Tuning Language With Language" by Kucer and Rhodes (1986, p. 187) for my LTED 618 course.

What It Means:  Kucer and Rhodes (1986) refer to schemata as "understandings about the world" that people construct as they experience events in their lives (p. 187).  According to dictionary.com, schemata (the plural form of "schema") is "an underlying organizational pattern or structure; conceptual framework."
Schemata. (n. pl.) In dictionary.com.  Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/schemata

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this article, I had seen and heard this word before, but usually only in its singular form (schema).  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well as I think it is a valuable word.  Since schemata refers to one's understandings or thoughts, this word could be used to describe how students think about our content.  For example, someone might say that a student's existing schemata regarding social studies will influence his or her ability to learn about the feudal system.  In this circumstance, it would be essential for me to know what "schemata" means.

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think others should know this word well.  Not only is it an interesting word (and a fun word to say out loud), but it is useful when explaining your "conceptual framework" or understandings about a topic.  Thus, I think everyone should know this word and its meaning.

5:1 Principled Understanding

When and Where I Found It:  I found this term as I read chapter 19 in the Handbook of Reading Research (Kamil, Mosenthal, Pearson, & Barr, 2000).  The term was located on page 287 in the Handbook.

What It Means:  According to the Handbook of Reading Research, "principled understanding" refers to the "development of knowledge organized around pivotal concepts or principles" (Kamil et al., 2000, p. 287).  For example, those of us in LTED 625 probably have principled understanding regarding literacy or literacy-related concepts. 

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this chapter, I had never seen this term before and had no idea what it means. 

Do You Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this term well because I think it effectively explains how we want our students to learn from text.  We want them to have a "principled understanding" of the concepts contained in our content-area texts, rather than just a mix of vague ideas related to these concepts.  I think it will be helpful for me to know this term so that I can articulate the kind of knowledge that I want my students to gain. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think everyone in our LTED 625 course should know this word well as it could be useful in explaining the type of understanding we want our students to glean from content-area texts.  Since this is a rather specialized term, I am not sure whether everyone needs to know it, but I think it would also be important for others in the field of education to have at least a basic understanding of what this term means. 

4:3 Posterity

When and Where I Found It:  I have heard this word used and have used it myself multiple times throughout my life.  However, yesterday I used this word and, when a friend asked me what it means, I realized that I did not know the actual definition of the word.  I only knew how to use it in a sentence as part of the expression "for posterity's sake."

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, this word refers to "succeeding or future generations" or "all descendants of one person."  So when someone says that he is doing something "for posterity's sake,"  he means that his actions will impact future generations. 
Posterity (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/posterity

Level of Familiarity:  Previously, I had heard this word used on television and elsewhere, but I had never actually looked it up to determine its formal definition.  In the past, I used context clues to help me determine how to use the word in a sentence.  Since then, I have used this word a few times in conversation. 

Do You Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, since I have used it in conversation.  I want to be able to accurately explain what this word means the next time a friend asks me to define it.  It is important for me to know this word well so that I don't use it incorrectly in conversation. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think it is important for others to know this word well because the expression "for posterity's sake" is used often in conversation and in the media.  I am not sure if everyone who hears this word actually knows its real definition, and it is important that they know what both the word and the expression actually mean.   

4:2 Crepuscular

When and Where I Found It:  I was looking up "chinchillas" on Wikipedia to brainstorm ideas for my Genre Pieces Project for LTED 618.  The word "crepuscular" was used to describe chinchillas, deeming them "crepuscular rodents."


What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, the word means "of, pertaining to, or resembling twilight, dim."  Additionally, there is a definition relating to zoology, which is, "appearing or active in the twilight, as certain bats and insects."  Since chinchillas are animals, I believe that the second definition is the most appropriate for this use of the word.
Crepuscular (adj.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/crepuscular

Level of Familiarity:  Prior to reading this word on Wikipedia, I had never seen this word before and had no idea what it could mean.  I was intrigued and tempted to look it up to make sure that it is indeed a word. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, because I was previously telling everyone that my chinchilla is "nocturnal."  Now, I can use the word "crepuscular" instead, if I want.  I think it will be beneficial for me to know that this word can be used to describe my chinchilla's behavior.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think that this word would be beneficial for others to know, especially those who work with animals.  Others should also know this word, as it can be used to refer to twilight, as in the time of day.  This is an interesting word to know. 
 

4:1 Aqueduct

When and Where I Found It:  I found this word in the newspaper a few days ago.  The article was discussing the use of the aqueduct in the city of Rochester as a location for a dinner as part of the 2010 World Canals Conference.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, an aqueduct is "an artificial channel for conducting water from a distance, usually by means of gravity."
Aqueduct (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/aqueduct

Level of Familiarity: Prior to looking up the definition of this word, I had often seen the word.  I'm sure I have come across this word in social studies when discussing waterways.  Also, I have seen this word or heard others use this word in reference to Rochester's aqueduct.  In spite of all of this exposure, when I read this word a few days ago, I realized that I wasn't quite sure what an aqueduct actually does.  I knew that water passed through it, but I did not know if there was an actual purpose for this structure. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well because I have already been exposed to the word so often, that I feel as though it would be helpful to have a deeper understanding of it.  Additionally, I believe that Rochester's aqueduct is a visually-appealing structure and would like to see it preserved, so it would be useful to know what it's initial function was.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  I think others should know this word well, but generally only those who live near an aqueduct or are involved in creating or maintaining them are those who should know this word extremely well.  All others should also know what this word means or at least have a basic understanding of what an aqueduct is, but it is less imperative that they know this word well.    

3:3 Conniption

When and Where Did I Find It: My friend used this word in a conversation we were having.  He was telling a story in which this word was used by someone else to describe his behavior at the time.  Also, my parents have used this term in conversation before.  For example, "Don't have a conniption, Melissa!"

What It Means: According to dictionary.com, this word means "a fit of hysterical excitement or anger."  When my parents use this word, I think they usually use it to refer to "hysterics" in general or "hysterical excitement" bordering on anger.  For instance, they are saying, "Don't get hysterical about it," or "Calm down!"
Conniption (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conniption

Level of Familiarity: Prior to looking up the definition of this word, I was relatively familiar with it.  While I had never actually looked up the definition before, I had determined what the word means through its use in context.  As I mentioned above, my parents have used this word from time-to-time throughout my childhood, so I had a pretty good idea of its meaning.  However, it was interesting to finally look it up and have a concrete definition. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes!  I love knowing this word well because I like how the word sounds, and I have used it previously.  Also, I plan on using this word again in the future, so it is important that I know exactly what it means. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why? Yes, I think others should know this word well, if for no other reason than the word is fun to say and should continue to be used in the future.  As with so many things that my parents say (from individual words to expressions and phrases), I feel that this word could easily become "dated" and fewer people will use it or even know what it means.  I was so excited to learn that my friend knew the word, but I'm not sure how many of my other friends are familiar with it, and I find that to be unfortunate.  

 

3:2 Explication

When and Where Did I Find It: I found this word in the Dreher and Singer (2001) article for this week.  This word is used as one of the features of a "friendly" text.  


What It Means: According to the article, explication is "the degree to which the author states information as opposed to requiring the reader to infer" (Dreher & Singer, 2001, p. 100).  Given the context in which the word is used, I believe this means that explication is the level of detail or explanation the author provides within a text.  If there is very little explication in a given text, then the author did not provide many outright details to aid the reader in understanding the main ideas of the text.  


Level of Familiarity: Prior to reading this article, I believe I have seen this word before.  I'm sure I have read this word in other texts and, if asked to define it, I could have provided a definition that is relatively close to the definition given in the article.  However, in my previous encounters with this word, it was not used to describe an aspect of a "friendly" text.


Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why? Yes, I want to know this word well.  I believe it is important for us as educators to know what "explication" means and how it relates to the texts that we provide for our students.  Especially as future literacy specialists, this word is important to know as it is used to describe a characteristic of a given text. 


Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why? While I think that many others may not have reason to use this word very often in daily life, I do think that this word is important to know.  "Explication" can be used to encourage others to provide more information and detail in writing as well as in other forms of communication (such as speaking).  Given that this word can be used in a broader sense than simply referring to an aspect of readable text, I believe that others should know this word well so that they may use it in other situations.

3:1 Insensate

When and Where Did I Find It: I found this word in our Ruddell and Shearer (2002) article on the Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy.  This word was located in one of the sample lists made by the classes that were part of the study.  I noticed this word when I looked back at this article in class tonight.

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, insensate refers to something that lacks sensation or human feeling.  This word is often applied to an inanimate object, as it lacks feeling.  Another definition of this word can refer to someone who is "foolish" or "without sense."  While I feel that the first definition is the primary definition and will be the one I will refer to, this word was not used in context in the article.  Rather, "insensate" is part of a list of words, so it is possible that this word could take on either meaning in its original context.  
Insensate (adj.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/insensate

Level of Familiarity: While I feel that I have most likely seen this word before in the course of my reading, I had no idea what this word meant when I read it from the list tonight.  Since this word was not used in a sentence within the article, I was unable to use context clues to guess its meaning. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well as I feel that I may come across it in the course of my reading in the future.  Also, as a future English teacher, I feel that this is an adjective that it would be beneficial to know. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...if so Who and Why?  I feel that others should be aware of this word and its meaning, as it can be a useful way to describe inanimate objects that we encounter in our everyday lives.  Rather than merely stating that a computer does not have feelings, one can describe the machine's lack of feelings using this word.