To build students' academic language and background knowledge, what strategy is most effective?

Selecting a broad range of audio and video resources is effective in building students' academic language and background knowledge because it caters to diverse learning styles and engages multiple senses. Audio and video resources provide different contexts for understanding content, allowing students to see real-world applications of what they learn and hear language used in various formats. This multimodal approach helps to reinforce vocabulary and concepts, making them more accessible and memorable.

Engagement through dynamic content such as videos or audio clips often enhances motivation and retention, while also providing varied contexts that can deepen understanding. In addition, exposure to different voices, accents, and styles of communication in audio and video resources enriches students' language development and prepares them to navigate diverse academic and social settings.

This approach contrasts with more limited strategies, such as assigning only textbook readings or focusing solely on written assignments, which may not engage all learners effectively or provide a comprehensive understanding of language in context. By offering a wide range of resources, educators can help students build a robust academic vocabulary and a deeper background knowledge that supports their overall learning.