Which strategy is most effective in teaching students the meaning of the word "indefensible" while enhancing their vocabulary understanding?

The most effective strategy for teaching students the meaning of the word "indefensible" while also enhancing their vocabulary understanding is modeling how to apply knowledge of morphology to construct meaning.

Understanding morphology—how words are formed and their component parts—enables students to break down "indefensible" into its roots and affixes. The prefix "in-" means "not," while "defensible" derives from "defense," which relates to protection or justification. By analyzing these parts, students can infer that "indefensible" means something that cannot be defended or justified. This morphological approach not only aids in understanding this specific word but also equips students with strategies to tackle unfamiliar words in the future by recognizing similar prefixes and roots.

This method fosters deeper vocabulary comprehension, as students learn to systematically decode words based on their structural components rather than just memorizing definitions. It enhances their overall literacy skills by promoting an understanding of the relation between word parts and meaning, which is crucial for effective reading and communication.