Which principle emphasizes that not all words should receive equal attention in vocabulary instruction?

The principle that emphasizes that not all words should receive equal attention in vocabulary instruction is contextual emphasis. This approach recognizes that certain words are more relevant and useful for students based on their specific learning contexts and purposes. By focusing on words that are most pertinent to students’ experiences or the content they are learning, educators can enhance comprehension and retention more effectively.

Contextual emphasis encourages teachers to select vocabulary that will have a significant impact on students’ understanding of the material, thereby prioritizing words that facilitate deeper learning. This principle aligns with the idea that vocabulary instruction should be meaningful and not merely about memorizing lists of words, which can lead to ineffective learning outcomes.

In contrast, approaches that might prioritize all words equally or emphasize word frequency may not consider the specific contexts in which students will use these words, resulting in less effective learning experiences.