What does the term 'explicit' refer to in vocabulary instruction?

The term 'explicit' in vocabulary instruction pertains to stating meanings clearly and directly. This approach involves providing students with straightforward definitions, clear examples, and unambiguous explanations of words. This method is crucial in helping students understand the exact meaning of a term without ambiguity, going beyond the use of context clues or complex language that might confuse learners.

In effective vocabulary instruction, explicit teaching ensures that students have a solid grasp of the word's definition, pronunciation, and usage in sentences. This understanding is particularly important for building a strong vocabulary foundation, especially for struggling readers or English language learners who may need more direct information to comprehend and retain new vocabulary.