Should ESL Students Use Translation Dictionaries in English Class?
March 17, 2010 | ama83
If a student is taking an English class, should he or she be allowed to use an electronic dictionary? English classes are meant to improve students’ abilities to write and read in English. In a sense, students are learning to master the language. This does not mean that only English speakers benefit from these classes. However, if a student cannot speak or write at the English class’s proper level, I’m just not so sure that translating dictionaries are an ethical tool to use in class.
There are certain classes that would be appropriate for using translating dictionaries. Science or history classes could be acceptable or even in lower level English classes, where students are learning to speak English… initially, anyway. Once students reach a level where they are expected to write and talk completely in English, perhaps it is no longer appropriate to use the mechanical dictionary.
On one hand, the translating dictionary could help ESL (English as a Second Language) students progress in their English classes and earn higher grades. Though the students are still shaky with their English, they may manage to excel with their peers. Perhaps the dictionary can even help the students learn new words by acting as a form of a pocket-held teacher.
On the other hand, the translating dictionary doesn’t help the students earn their grades legitimately. The words they speak or write are not really their own, so they wouldn’t really deserve a high grade. The dictionary can even begin to act as a crutch for students. Instead of forcing themselves to learn proper English words on their own, students become dependent on the use of their dictionary.
I have known students who are in constant use of their dictionary during the whole class period. These are the students who usually end up asking their teachers if they are allowed to bring these translating dictionaries to the final exams. I cannot help but wonder how well these students actually understand the lectures that they sit through. The point of taking a class is to learn, but a student cannot learn to the fullest if a student cannot speak the language the class is being taught in. It would seem in the students’ best interest for English teachers to minimize the use of translating dictionaries, or ban the use of them completely.
If a student cannot write a proper paper without the need to translate, then those students have not reached a high enough level to pass the class, let alone take the class in the first place. Students are supposed to take classes that suit their particular level of knowledge.
Being placed in the wrong class is not really the fault of the student, though. I would personally blame admissions or the placement test, but that gripe leads to another blog all together. What are other people’s thoughts on this debatable subject? Should ESL students be allowed to use portable translation devices in English classes?
I personally do not have any problems with it but I strongly discourage the use of it. Translating things to a language that is not native to your own is difficult. If people are struggling, then people are struggling to be honest. It’s not important that we frown upon a students inabilities (as you’ve stated, the system failed to place the student correctly). What is important is how to address a misplaced student.
I firmly believe a student has a right to know he/she is misplaced but be encouraged and given a chance to work hard to reach the level needed to achieve. If we don’t not push students then who will? A responsibility we do not only inherit but one we deserve to follow through with for the sake of our peers (instructors teaching higher levels) and as well for the student.
Going back to translating dictionaries, they are commonly banned from testing, which is why I highly encourage students to not be dependent on them. If in a casual setting, they should be used very lightly. However, if a student is constantly using such a device, they should be told of the troubles they will face in more stricter settings (testing, in-class essays, or quizzes) that restricts or prohibits the use of such an aid.
By reinforcing and explaining the standard for the level a student is in, the more the student can understand the work that is ahead of him/her. For those looking up every word in their dictionaries, they tend to have more concerning problems to worry about (sentence structure, organization, thesis, etc) that no dictionary can aid them in.
Well said, Lorenz. Thank you for the insightful comment.
And I second (third?!) what Mr. Lorenz say – so well said. Good topic for discussion, Ms. Ama83!
Way back when I was still in college, (mid 70s), I took a mid-level computer class during the summer and one student put his Chinese-English dictionary on his desk first thing as we were settling in. When I saw it I shook my head wondering how long he could possibly last in an accelerated summer class. He was gone when the second week started.
I still don’t see how having a translator with you can help since you miss what is going on in the class as you look up what you didn’t understand and get further lost. The class doesn’t stop while you figure out what is being said.