Motivating Better Vocabulary Acquisition by Modeling Parallel Processing

July 15 @ 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Virtual Event

Event: Motivating Better Vocabulary Acquisition by Modeling Parallel Processing

Type: Webinar

Presenter: Mark Wynn

Date: Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Virtual (ZOOM link emailed upon registration)

Description:

The demonstration addresses student approaches to vocabulary that are primarily binary translations by providing an overview of how parallel processing utilizes both hemispheres for semantic features and showing how a greater awareness of this may not only lead to more effective materials and teaching methods but also how simple demonstrations of this can motivate students to move beyond binary translations and experiment with new approaches.

Who Should Attend:
K-12 Educators. Higher Education Faculty, Adult Education

Session Highlights:

1. Improved conceptualization and comprehension of lexical processing
2. Utilizing this new understanding in rethinking through current materials
3. Helping instructors create short demonstrations of lexical concepts to students.

Takeaways for Attendees:

Understanding how the brain processes vocabulary through semantic connections instead of simple word-for-word translations can help students develop deeper language comprehension.
Small classroom demonstrations and activities that show parallel processing can encourage students to experiment with vocabulary learning strategies beyond memorization and direct translation.
Rethinking vocabulary instruction with a focus on meaning, context, and conceptual relationships can lead to more effective teaching materials and stronger long-term vocabulary retention for learners.

About the Presenter:

Mark Wynn has two decades of experience teaching English as a Second Language and Composition in higher education and adult learning, and has been following the research on cerebral asymmetries and incorporating it into his teaching since graduate school.