Traditional vocabulary instruction in the science classroom involves assigning students to look up words from the textbook in the dictionary and memorizing the information before the test. Instead of using this technique every time you want students to learn vocabulary, be flexible and switch up your teaching methods. Demonstrate the meaning of a vocabulary term by showing the students science experiments or movies that also help them discover how the word is applied.
When teaching a slow learner, repetition is extremely important. The science vocabulary that other students may be able to learn after one lecture may be more difficult for slow learners and require three or four lectures. Because teachers often do not have time to lecture three times on the same subject, try to continue including the vocabulary in as many lessons as possible by including relevant vocabulary in laboratory assignments. You may also assign extra practice to slower learners as homework. Remember that if the teaching style you are using for one particular student doesn't seem to be working, you need to be open to the idea of changing the type of activities you are using to teach that student.
Teachers sometime become impatient and stressed out by the fact that the slow learners cannot learn and master the material. You may be tempted to discipline the student or automatically fail him on vocabulary tests in the class. Instead, maintain a positive attitude with slow learners who you know are trying their best to learn the material. Work with their parents to provide extra support and supplemental activities that the students can complete at home to foster their learning.
Pictures and imagery are an excellent way to teach students science vocabulary words. Instead of asking students to memorize the definition of a chemical, create a page in a picture book dedicated to different types of chemicals. Create picture books for students who are having a hard time mastering the science vocabulary. These picture books should be dedicated to a specific theme or group of vocabulary words to be most effective. Ask the student to take her time looking over the ideas and encourage any questions she may have when looking at the pictures.