Conclusion
Beck, McKeown, and Kucan’s (2002) three-tiered
vocabulary framework is a valuable tool for teachers’
use in identifying words for explicit instruction in adult
ESL classes. By classifying words into the three tiers,
teachers can then make informed decisions regarding
the type of instruction that is warranted (either brief or
elaborated), and select appropriate strategies. The
recommendations provided in this article can help
teachers streamline their instruction and maximize their
impact in the vital area of vocabulary development for
adult second language learners.