Planting Roots and Stems in Learners’ Minds: Why Teach Etymology and Morphology and How to Do It (79303)
Session Chair: Kumiko Tsuji
Saturday, 13 July 2024 12:55
Session: Session 3
Room: G09 (Ground)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Learning English medical terminology is a challenge for students studying healthcare courses. To pass exams, students in Japan commit lists of vocabulary to memory; however, memorization alone is insufficient for understanding the hundreds of terms that pharmacy and medical students encounter in their medical English classes. The presenter, who teaches medical topics in English to pharmacy students, has found morphology (the study of word parts) and etymology (the study of the origin and history of words) to be integral to his teaching. Using examples from his lessons, the presenter will discuss how etymology (including morphology) can make the learning of medical terminology more interesting and meaningful. Linking hitherto unfamiliar medical terms to words used in more everyday English is just one technique for effectively teaching of etymology. For example, one of the effects of aspirin is pain relief, or analgesia. The root of this word (from the Greek algos) is found in “nostalgia,” which was originally described as a form of severe homesickness (“the pain of being away from nostas, or “home”). The presenter will also explain that for teachers, too, a thorough understanding of the backstories of words is advantageous, one reason being that it is a hard skill, indicating teacher expertise. This presentation will be highly relevant for teachers of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) teachers, but those teaching more general English will also find it of value.
Authors:
Mark Rebuck, Meijo University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Mr Mark Rebuck is currently based at Meijo University in Japan
See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule
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