Developing Dictionary Skills

Abstract

This thesis deals with the use of dictionaries in English language teaching and learning. One of the aims of this work is to emphasise the importance of developing dictionary skills with respect to learner autonomy and the use of different types of dictionaries in English language teaching and learning. The theoretical part of the thesis covers topics, such as different approaches and methods in language teaching, learner autonomy, learner training, student-centred learning, lexicography, dictionary training. The practical part of this work is based on the questionnaire research among the teachers at the primary schools focused on using dictionaries in teaching/learning English. One of the aims of this research was to find out information about the type of dictionaries used at some primary schools. The other aim was to discover the teacher´s attitude to use of dictionaries and identify problems that teachers come across when using dictionaries with their students. On the basis of the research, some activities were suggested focused on developing dictionary skills for students of fourth to ninth grades,