| Abstract: |
This paper presents a study which aimed to better understand what happened when an English learner's dictionary on CD-ROM was consulted by (upper) intermediate students of English, taking classes at various English language centres in British universities. Two CD-ROM dictionaries were chosen for students to carry out two tasks: a vocabulary task was undertaken by 30 pairs of intermediate students, and a writing task was completed by 30 upper-intermediate students. Both tasks focused on dictionary searches. These were recorded by the researcher and analysed with respect to reasons for searches, look-up strategies and search success. Think-aloud protocols were also used to gain more insight into the look-up processes, and more general data gathered by way of a questionnaire. This provided background information on students' use of and attitude towards printed and electronic dictionaries. The findings of the study are discussed with regard to learners' look-up strategies and their skills in using an English learner's dictionary on CD-ROM. Apart from the conventional dictionary skills, which many participants seemed to lack, the paper also examines how learners will have to adapt to this innovative electronic medium in order to make effective use of such a tool. Finally, problems with the design and content of these dictionaries and their pedagogic applications are explored, and possible improvements are suggested. |