When an ELL does not understand 'intercommunication', what is the preferred teaching method?

The preferred teaching method of having the student analyze and discover the meaning of the morphemes is effective because it encourages deeper understanding of the word 'intercommunication'. Analyzing the morphemes—'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'communication' meaning 'the act of sharing information'—allows the ELL to break down the word into its parts and build their own understanding of its meaning. This approach not only helps in grasping the specific word but also enhances the student’s overall vocabulary and decoding skills as they learn how morphemes function to convey meaning in other words.

This strategy fosters an active learning environment, where the student engages with the language rather than relying on rote memorization or passive learning methods. It encourages critical thinking and helps the student make connections with other words that share similar morphemes, enhancing their linguistic awareness and improving their ability to grasp new vocabulary in the future.