If the student in question uses the word not because it was in his usual vocabulary but because it appeared in the article about Magellan, the teacher has a valid point.
Not really. I’m sure “circumnavigate” wasn’t in my usual vocabulary but its meaning is simple enough to determine from context. I don’t think its reasonable to penalize someone for using a word they would pretty much have to pick up when learning about a topic.
The other thing about this educational strategy is that, all other effects aside, it discourages students from using more sophisticated vocabulary. If you try to use a complicated word and get it wrong, you will be punished. If you get it right but the teacher doesn’t believe you did so deliberately, you will also be punished. That’s a terrible lesson to teach children (or anyone else).
Not really. I’m sure “circumnavigate” wasn’t in my usual vocabulary but its meaning is simple enough to determine from context. I don’t think its reasonable to penalize someone for using a word they would pretty much have to pick up when learning about a topic.
The other thing about this educational strategy is that, all other effects aside, it discourages students from using more sophisticated vocabulary. If you try to use a complicated word and get it wrong, you will be punished. If you get it right but the teacher doesn’t believe you did so deliberately, you will also be punished. That’s a terrible lesson to teach children (or anyone else).