49. Which of the following instructional techniques is most effective in supporting a young student's receptive vocabulary development?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Describing for the student in simple sentences what the student is doing while engaged in everyday activities is the most effective technique.

This instructional technique directly supports a young student's receptive vocabulary development by providing contextualized language exposure. When teachers describe actions in simple sentences, they help students connect words with their meanings in real-life situations.

A) Stating several × a complete set of directions before asking the student to engage in a multistep task

While providing a complete set of directions can be beneficial, it may overwhelm young students. This approach does not specifically focus on vocabulary development and may lead to confusion rather than enhancing understanding of new words.

B) Describing for the student in simple sentences what the student is doing while engaged in everyday activities

This method is effective as it immerses students in language that is relevant to their immediate experiences. By hearing simple descriptions, students can better grasp the meanings of words and phrases, thereby enhancing their receptive vocabulary in a natural context.

C) Using words that are just below the student's expressive vocabulary level when speaking privately to the student

Although this technique can encourage language growth, it may not be as effective for receptive vocabulary development. The focus on expressive vocabulary might not sufficiently enhance understanding of words that the student has not yet encountered or fully comprehended.

D) Calling on the student to predict what will happen next in a story the teacher is reading to the class

This strategy engages students in critical thinking and prediction skills but does not directly enhance receptive vocabulary. While it can assist in comprehension, it does not provide the immediate vocabulary exposure that supports understanding of new words.

Conclusion

Describing a student's actions in simple sentences while they engage in activities is the most effective technique for developing their receptive vocabulary. This method allows for real-world application of language, facilitating better understanding and retention of new words. In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of contextualized vocabulary exposure, making them less effective for this specific aspect of language development.