student has achieved. For example, having a student describe a concept (adding variables with
coefficients) may lead to definitions ranging from “just add the numbers in front of the letters” to
“add the total of all numbers in front of common letters, remember to add 1 when there is no
coefficient on the variable.” The same concept applies to vocabulary words. At the beginning
the definition is simple, but as understand increases the definition becomes more valuable.
In a study conducted by Adams (2010), two teachers used similar concepts to teach
vocabulary. The first teacher, Ned, used the Frayer model and provided textbook definitions for
the students to memorize, an example, a non-example, and facts/characteristics (p 380). He used
the chart of the Frayer model was used as a review, to organize previously learned material. The
second teacher, Christine, chose to use a Visual Verbal Word Association (VVWA) chart
instead. The strategy she implemented allowed the student to create a visual representation,
personal association or characteristic, and a definition (p 382). The definition was the last part
added to the chart and added after the students had time to “discover” the meaning throughout
the lesson.
Frayer Model and VVWA are similar in the fact that both are graphic organizers used to
display the meaning of a vocabulary work in multiple. The Frayer Model is built to be used as a
tool for teaching a concept that students revisit and try to memorize. The VVWA, which
includes “personal association or characteristic,” (Adams, 2010, p. 382) allows students to build
more connections and own the vocabulary word. Students need to use a vocabulary word, or
term, in different ways and often to fully understand it. This exposure must include more than
just definitions, which is why strategies like the Frayer Model and VVWA can be beneficial to
content area teachers. Ned’s approach involved repeated exposure in order to memorize and
Christine used multiple approaches to the topic to develop an understanding.