Abstract:

In this study, we analyse the impact of dictionary use training in students who took their English Studies degree and are training to become teachers. A dual perception is tackled here:
(1) Students as users of dictionaries in their degree studies, after getting some training in dictionary use
(2.a) the same students as teachers-in-training considering how they envision the use of dictionaries in their future classroom
(2.b) teachers-in-training as observers of dictionary use in their practicum classroom experience with other younger students

There is still controversy in the use of (e) dictionaries in the classroom as well as the use of dictionaries in tests and examinations. For some, classroom use promotes vocabulary learning. However, teachers do not always agree on the best dictionary to use (monolingual or bilingual). From an electronic dictionary format perspective, the limits between monolingual and bilingual are blurred, since most dictionary sites and tools are may be customised or have the option of choosing one option or the other (monolingual or bilingual, even bilingualised).

For most teachers, dictionary use for tests should be avoided. However e-dictionary use in formative assessment could be a good option in the students’ learning path (in contrast to final or summative tests). The online dictionary panorama, thus, makes us revisit the position of dictionary use in the classroom from a virtual environment perspective.

A total of 20 teachers-in training were interviewed by means of electronic semi-structured interviews and data from questionnaires are analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively to ascertain the vision of future teachers regarding e-dictionary use in the classroom. The study presented here reveals tendencies related to online dictionary preferences, e-dictionary skills difficulties, problems and benefits of using e-dictionaries in the classroom as part of the language learning tools and methods implemented in the classroom sessions.

Keywords:

E-dictionaries, teacher training, assessment.