Improving instruction of future teachers: A multimedia approach that supports implementation of evidence-based vocabulary practices

•We designed and examined a multimedia tool to improve teaching ability.•We describe a multimedia tool, which follows theoretical and empirical frameworks.•Video can be paired with Content Acquisition Podcasts for use in teacher preparation.•Video plus CAP can promote effective use of evidence-based vocabulary practices.

Teacher education efforts must prepare future teachers to implement evidence-based practices that are effective for all students. A strand of practices necessary for reading competence is vocabulary instruction; however, teachers spend less time teaching vocabulary as opposed to other literacy skills. In this experimental study, researchers investigated a multimedia-based intervention, which pairs video with a Content Acquisition Podcast (i.e., video plus CAP) to teach preservice teachers (N = 49) to implement vocabulary practices with struggling students. Those who watched the video plus CAP used significantly more teaching behaviors associated with an evidence-based vocabulary practice during instruction than the comparison group.