Vārdnīcu lietošana otrās un trešās svešvalodas apguvē: mācīšanās stratēģija

Abstract

Learning strategies are important for controlling and optimizing the acquisition and use of a foreign language. Regular use of strategies with specific work steps and tips helps students to become more independent and reach their learning objective quicker. This study provides an insight into one foreign language learning strategy – working with dictionaries. Dictionaries are not only a tool for translation, but also an important part of language learning. This foreign language acquisition tool is often undervalued, although proficient and appropriate use of dictionaries not only strengthens the learner’s self-directed learning skills, but also their confidence in using the foreign language. The research question: how can students acquire the learning strategy of using a dictionary to enhance their foreign language skills and self-directed learning? The aim of the study is to explore whether and how the use of dictionaries can contribute to learning a second and third language by summarizing theory and developing and validating techniques and appropriate tasks for this strategy to make the dictionary an important tool for language learning, as well as for the development of self-directed learning skills. The research has resulted in a summary of the theory on the chosen topic and the development of materials for an introductory lesson on working with dictionaries. The study concludes with a number of conclusions. The most significant of these are as follows. The use of dictionaries as part of foreign language acquisition must be included in the group of resource use strategies, which can be metacognitive or cognitive. First, students need to learn how to work with printed dictionaries, which is also a good basis for future work with electronic dictionaries. Printed dictionaries should be available in the lecture room to build the habit of using them. If they are not available, students should be allowed to use electronic dictionaries. Vocabulary skills will certainly improve language acquisition and give learners the confidence to make their own decisions about the choice of language unit in their speech or a written text in a foreign language. The materials developed under the research can be used in German language classes for beginners learning German as a second or third foreign language. Acquiring this learning strategy will not only be useful for students at school, but also later at university.