Engaging students in verbal discussions regarding vocabulary fosters word consciousness, which is the awareness of and interest in words and their meanings. When students discuss vocabulary in an interactive environment, they become more invested in learning new words and understanding their uses in different contexts. This engagement encourages critical thinking and curiosity about language, prompting students to explore synonyms, antonyms, and nuances in meaning, thereby enhancing their overall language skills.
Additionally, word consciousness supports the idea that vocabulary is dynamic and connected to personal experience and knowledge. As students express their thoughts and questions during discussions, they not only reinforce their own understanding but also help peers learn through shared insights and examples. This social aspect of vocabulary learning transforms the acquisition of new words from a passive activity into an engaging, collaborative process that can lead to deeper comprehension and retention, ultimately benefiting students' reading development.