TEFL Blue Eye Arkansas

A dictionary is a vital tool in language learning. Often teachers and students alike do not use a dictionary to its fullest effect because they are not trained in its proper use and thereby miss its great potential in language learning. The size of a dictionary and the sheer volume of words can be intimidating. However, when a dictionary's organization is learned and used properly, a dictionary will seem more user-friendly. This is true with both book and electronic dictionaries. When used correctly, a dictionary can not only be a great resource for finding the meanings of words, but an active and effective language learning tool. Dictionaries will have three main sections. These are the introduction, the main body of words and supplemental material. Each of these areas is a great source of english learning. The Introduction area contains several sections. Here we can learn the purpose of this dictionary. Some dictionaries a specialized for young readers, college, specialized for groups, technical for industries, pictorial or general use. Using a dictionary specialized to the student's needs can greatly increase its use. Pronunciation use and examples are included in the introduction. A careful understanding of how individual dictionaries use pronunciation will make them more productive tools. The organization of individual entries is explained in the introduction. The understanding of that organization will help the student get more out of their investigation of a word. A list of abbreviations and other keys is also included in the introduction. The main body of a dictionary contains the words and information about those words. There are five main points given about each word and usually in the same order. They are: Spelling, Pronunciation Key; Part of Speech; Definition; and Example Sentences. Other parts that may appear are tense variations, etymology of the word, synonyms, antonyms, variant forms, cross references, usage notes, etc. First the Spelling of the word is given. There are many patterns and phonetic rules that can help a student learn the spelling of english words. However, because of the many exceptions to these rules, some word's spelling will need to be just plain memorized. Teaching a phonetic system to students will allow them to sound out a word and come close to the spelling. The student can then search a dictionary to find the word and the other information attached to it. The Pronunciation Key is next and is usually placed within brackets. Teach the students how to read these symbols and match them with the accompanying sound using the information in the Introduction section. Making secret messages or crossword puzzles using the pronunciation symbols is an effective means of learning how to interpret the symbols used in the pronunciation key. Next comes to Part of Speech. This information is sadly overlooked in english teaching. However, when a student learns the part of speech of each new word, they will be able to correctly use the word in making sentences and communicating. The ‘job' of each word is its part of speech. If one understands the ‘job' each part of speech has, one can use those words where they belong. Example: Subjects need nouns and adjectives tell about nouns and come before nouns. Fourthly, the Definition of the word is given. The There are usually several choices of meanings and nuances given separated by numbers. Definitions are given in order of most used. It can be confusing to decide which definition to use with that word. The first two or three should be sufficient for most students. Lastly Example Sentences are included in a good dictionary. These are placed after each main definition section and give the student the kind of context one would find that definition of the word in a sentence. These example sentences can also be used by the student to improve their sentence structure use with that word. The Supplementary Material area at the end of a dictionary is a wealth of on specialize areas and other resources a student can use in learning how words are used in communication. It will take time to teach students how to effectively use a dictionary. Drills, games, homework assignments and research challenges can be effective in improving the use of a dictionary. The time spent will be multiplied back to the student and teacher alike in supplying a tool that the students can use increase their own language ability and confidence in communicating.