What is an example of students learning words indirectly?

Students learning words indirectly is exemplified by the interaction that occurs when two students turn and talk to each other. This process often involves discussing new vocabulary in context, sharing understandings, or clarifying meanings through conversation, which promotes deeper cognitive engagement with the words. When students discuss language with peers, they can encounter words in a social context that enhances their comprehension and retention. Such interactions allow them to negotiate meaning and reinforce their learning through collaboration, making the vocabulary more meaningful and memorable.

While other options present structured approaches to learning vocabulary, they often lack the interactive and contextual elements that facilitate indirect learning. For instance, a teacher giving a quiz assesses knowledge rather than encourages exploration or engagement with the words. Reading a textbook alone can lead to isolated and surface-level understanding without the rich context of dialogue. Writing definitions in isolation also tends to be a solitary and contextualized method that doesn’t involve the active engagement and negotiation of meanings that occur during peer discussions.