Collocation Evidence Hunt
Learn how a word combines naturally in subject language.
Worked classroom example
Across subjects
In science, “conduct electricity” and “transfer energy” preserve different meanings. Choosing a familiar verb without checking the object can distort the explanation.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Highlight a repeated target word.
- Record the words that commonly accompany it.
- Explain the relationship in a useful phrase.
- Use the phrase in a new accurate subject sentence.
Materials and purpose
three authentic subject sentences
Use a precise language move to make subject understanding visible, then check it on fresh content.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use three authentic subject sentences. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Learn how a word combines naturally in subject language.
Check independent transfer
Give a fresh subject situation and ask for a suitable phrase.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
Which words work together to express this relationship?
“Which feature makes this an example of the word?”
“How does the meaning or useful phrase change in another context?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.