Research consistently shows that vocabulary development plays a critical role in reading comprehension, communication, academic success, and workforce readiness. Yet many adult learners struggle to succeed in this area.
About This Session
Description
Let’s unlock literacy! This engaging and interactive session explores practical, brain-friendly strategies that help adult learners acquire, understand, and retain vocabulary while strengthening overall literacy skills.
Participants will discover how the brain processes and stores language, why repetition and meaningful connections matter, and how to create learning experiences that increase engagement and long-term retention.
Educators will experience hands-on activities, instructional techniques, and classroom-ready resources that can be immediately incorporated into literacy, ESL, ABE, HSE, and workforce preparation classes. Whether teaching beginning readers or advanced learners, participants will leave with practical tools to help students build confidence, expand vocabulary, and improve literacy outcomes.
Participants will explore practical strategies to create a stimulating learning environment that fosters language acquisition and retention. Learn how to incorporate interactive activities, visual aids, and memory-enhancing methods to boost students’ confidence and fluency.
By the end of the session, attendees will leave with actionable insights and resources to effectively support their students in developing essential basic skills.
What we'll cover:
- Why vocabulary development is the foundation of literacy success
- How the brain learns, stores, and retrieves new language
- Brain-friendly strategies that improve learning and retention
- Techniques for teaching vocabulary in meaningful and relevant contexts
- Using visuals, graphic organizers, and real-world connections to strengthen understanding
- Interactive activities that promote engagement and language acquisition
- Strategies for improving reading comprehension through vocabulary instruction
- Memory-enhancing techniques that help learners retain and apply new words
- Building learner confidence through structured language practice
- Classroom-ready resources and activities for immediate implementation
Ideal Audience:
Adult Education Instructors, ESL Instructors, Literacy Volunteers, ABE/HSE Teachers, IET Staff, Instructional Coaches, Program Coordinators, and Adult Learning Practitioners.
Session Format
Interactive presentation, hands-on learning activities, demonstration of instructional strategies, participant discussion, and practical application exercises.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
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A note from the presenter:
No other info available at this time.
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Presenter
Irene Ramos
Vice President
TALAE
Visit TALAE in the conference Exhibitor Area!
Irene Ramos has dedicated 35 years to advancing adult education and workforce training, serving in a variety of impactful roles including instructor, coordinator, staff development trainer, Center Manager, Independent Consultant and Program Manager. With a unique blend of experience across the workforce, adult education, and civic leadership spheres, she brings a comprehensive perspective to each initiative she leads, especially in her current role as an Independent Education Consultant.
Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. Among her accomplishments Ramos successfully designed and built the Adult Education program, Crossroads in the coastal Bend from the ground up thereby rebranding adult education in the Coastal Bend area. Ramos is currently the Vice President of TALAE, the state Adult Education organization and is participating in the COABE sponsored Adult Education Advocacy Fellowship.
A lifelong resident of Poteet, Texas, Ramos has been married to her husband, Ed, for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished children. Her commitment to community, education, and family is evident in all facets of her work and life.
Breakout26 – RAMOS
Page checked or updated: 6/10/2026
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