Making Vocabulary Visible: How Students Show What Terms Really Mean
Overview
Business and technology courses depend on precise vocabulary, yet students can often use terms confidently without fully understanding them. In the age of AI, polished language does not always reflect accurate thinking.

This session focuses on classroom-ready strategies that require students to demonstrate understanding through concrete representations and explanations.

Key Takeaways:
 
• Make vocabulary understanding visible
• Use collaborative, hands-on activities
• Move beyond definition-based instruction
• Help students explain application and limits of terms
• Use adaptable activities across grade levels

Presenter 

Tori Hale is a dedicated educator with a passion for empowering teachers and students. As a Business and Technology Teacher at Casey-Westfield High School and an adjunct instructor at Eastern Illinois University, Tori has spent 13 years shaping the future of education.

Tori is a sought-after speaker at regional, state, and national conferences, sharing her expertise on engaging activities, instructional technology, and artificial intelligence tools. She is a dedicated mentor, guiding new teachers in the IBEA Mentor Program and helping experienced teachers through instruction on burnout and boundary-setting strategies. As a member of the Illinois Business Education Association (IBEA) board, Tori actively contributes to the professional development of educators.
Tori manages the popular Instagram account @ToriTeachesBiz, which provides free resources to business educators in over 10 countries.


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