Compared the effectiveness of learning new words from context and from a list in a passive manner (reading the definition) and in an active manner (using prompts for aid to recall and writing the definition); Ss were 30 learning disabled (LD) and 30 normal 9-yr-olds. Normal Ss exceeded LD Ss in learning. Recitation was more effective than reading alone when definitions were presented in context; this was especially so for normal Ss. Recitation and reading alone were similarly effective when definitions were presented in isolation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)