The Vocabulary SIG pays tribute to scholars and recognizes graduate students in the area of vocabulary research.
This annual award recognizes an important scholar in the area of vocabulary research. The award is presented to an individual who has been nominated by a Vocabulary SIG member and is determined by the Award Committee to be deserving of the tribute.
This award honors the efforts of scholars who have given their professional efforts to the field of vocabulary research. It bridges emergent researchers with those who have paved the way before them, and provides an opportunity to engage in a group presentation and discussion about the researcher’s work.
The following criteria are used to identify and evaluate possible vocabulary scholars:
The timeline for making the Notable Vocabulary Researcher Award is:
This annual award recognizes an exemplary research paper focusing on vocabulary research or instruction by a student author. The award has been granted informally over the past six years through the Vocabulary SIG and we now wish to officially sanction the process. The award is presented to the individual or individuals who meet the following criteria as approved by the SIG and Council: An original research paper presented in the previous year’s annual AERA meeting on the topic of vocabulary research or instruction; applicants must have student status at the time of paper submission to AERA; and must be a SIG member by the award application date.
This award encourages upcoming researchers to focus on vocabulary topics, and rewards an outstanding effort in this area. It helps move our collective knowledge forward, and provides an opportunity to engage in a group presentation and discussion about the research topic.
The following criteria are used to identify and evaluate possible award papers:
The timeline for making the Student Vocabulary Research Paper Award is:
Vocabulary SIG Award Winners
Notable Vocabulary Researcher: Dr. Michael Coyne and Dr. Yuuko Uchikoshi Tonkovich
Dr. Yuuko Uchikoshi Tonkovich is a Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the School of Education at the University of California, Davis. She received her Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Human Development and Psychology with a concentration on Language and Literacy. Dr. Uchikoshi’s research focuses on the language and literacy development of young children from linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse backgrounds. Her research also examines the effects of instruction and parental involvement on the language and reading development of school-age children. Her research lab is supported by grants from the National Institute of Health, Foundation for Child Development, Language Learning, and Yolo Community Foundation.
Dr. Michael Coyne is a Professor of Special Education in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut and the Head of the Department of Educational Psychology. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon where he worked with Drs. Edward Kame’enui, Deborah Simmons, and Russell Gersten. His research focuses on early vocabulary and beginning reading instruction and intervention, school-based experimental research, and effective practices for students with learning disabilities. Dr. Coyne has directed multiple grants and contracts funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is currently a principal investigator of the National Research Network on MTSS. Dr. Coyne has worked with state departments of education to develop, implement, and evaluate state-wide MTSS efforts and federal reading initiatives. Dr. Coyne is a former special educator in public schools.
Student Vocabulary Research Paper: No Award Given
Notable Vocabulary Researcher
Student Vocabulary Research Paper