Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of

Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba

Integrated School on the Use of Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

J.F. DADO1, D.J.R. GARBO2,P.M.D. LINGA3.

Department of Teacher Education, City College of Calamba, Calamba Laguna,
Philippines
Submitted: 07.10.2023

Abstract:

Learning vocabulary is not an easy thing because, as Filipino students, they may
find some difficulties in understanding the meaning of the words. To decrease the
difficulty of learning vocabulary, they must find the meaning of the words in the
dictionary. The electronic dictionary, to be exact, is the most used dictionary in today's
generation because, according to Nesi (2015), it is very easy to carry and a lot of people
have already used it. Aside from defining the words, the electronic Dictionary may
provide information about their pronunciation, grammatical forms and functions,
etymologies, syntactic peculiarities, variant spellings, and antonyms. This research used
classroom action research to know the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in
Calamba Integrated School on the use of dictionaries to develop and enhance their
vocabulary. Four (4) grade 10 students were selected as participants for this study, and
qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews were employed. Thematic analysis was
used to identify common themes and patterns in the participants' narratives. It is usually
used to describe a group of texts, like an interview or a set of transcripts.The finding
shows that electronic dictionaries in English Language subjects are effective instructional
resources for learning and enhancing students vocabulary skills.

Keywords: Electronic Dictionary, vocabulary, English language

INTRODUCTION meanings, communication in an L2 just

Learning the English language
can be challenging because it
necessitates expanding your
vocabulary. It is the experience of most
English language teachers that the
single biggest component of any
language course is vocabulary. No
matter how well the students learn
grammar, no matter how successfully
the sound of L2 is mastered, without
words to express a wide range of
cannot happen in any meaningful way
(McCarthy, 1990). The use of dictionaries is
a great help in vocabulary learning, and
nowadays the development of electronic
dictionaries has added a new and appreciated
resource for vocabulary learning (Asgari &
Mustapha, 2011).
One of the reasons why many
students don’t want to study English is
because they encounter words that are
difficult to understand. They cannot

Dado, Garbo & Portia 1

Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject
participate actively in class because
they don't know how to respond to
certain words.
The researchers aim to
highlight the experiences of students in
using electronic dictionaries in
studying English language subjects. In
this study, the researchers wanted to
find out if electronic dictionaries had a
greater impact on students in learning
of vocabulary.
To collect data from the
respondents for this study, a qualitative
method was used. In conjunction with
these, the researchers also produce
questionnaires that will be
administered to the
respondents during a one-on-one
interview. Using this method, the
researchers will be able to comprehend
the respondents' varied experiences
using electronic dictionaries in relation
to their vocabulary skills
The findings of this research
will be helpful to a variety of
stakeholders in the education field,
including legislators, instructors,
parents, and school administrators.
Educators can develop innovative
teaching methods to improve students'
vocabulary skills utilizing modern
technology by taking into
consideration the experiences their
students had using the electronic
dictionary when studying the English
language.
Framework of the Study
This study includes the
identification of the phenomenon,
Dado, Garbo & Portia
formulation of the framework of the study,
data gathering, and results and discussion of
the gathered data. First, the researchers
identify the phenomenon. This study focused
on highlighting the experiences of grade 10
students using electronic dictionaries to learn
new vocabulary in English-language subjects.
Second, the researcher formulated the
theoretical framework. Thirdly, the data
gathering procedure This study collects data
through one-on-one interviews with a
selected number of students in Grade 10. This
type of interview requires a number of open-
ended questions related to the objectives of
the study (Hancock et al., 2007), as well as
follow-up questions to clarify the
interviewees’ speech and the ideas raised
during the interview. Lastly, the researcher
concludes by going over the findings of the
one-on-one interview.
Objectives of the Study
The study attempts to determine the
perception of Grade 10 students on the use of
Electronic dictionaries in English Language
Subjects in Calamba Integrated School. It
specifically aims to respond to the following
questions regarding the study's goals. (1)
Determine the experience of Grade 10
students in using electronic or mobile
dictionaries in learning vocabulary in English
Language Subjects. (2) Identify themes that
emerged based on the result. (3) Develop
recommendations or plans for action that can
be used to enhance the learners' overall
growth.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The descriptive qualitative research
approach employed in this study included in-
depth interviews. The respondents were
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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject
Grade 10 students at Calamba
Integrated School who were the subject
of one-on-one interviews by the
researchers. The five questions that the
researchers created serve as a guide for
the respondents' interviews.
Research Site
The researchers’ study centers
at the Calamba Integrated School, the
institution where the selected Grade 10
respondents study. This institution is
suited to this study as it has
participants needed and appropriate to
the conducted action research.
Instrumentation
The participants of the study
are the Grade 10 students of Calamba
Integrated School. The researchers
developed questionnaires that were in
line with the research's aims in order to
collect pertinent data.
Research Ethics Protocol
The researchers ensured the
security and confidentiality of the
study's participants and data by
retaining both the participants' personal
information and the school data. The
methodology, data, and results of the
study are collected, examined, and
evaluated without the use of any
manipulative techniques to maintain
relevance and appropriateness for the
study findings. Furthermore,
before beginning their study and
sending invitations to the four students
from the Resilience, Honest and
Candor sections of grade 10, the
researchers are guaranteed to have
approval and a letter from the school
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principal and master teachers. The
researchers also informed the participants
about the research's goals and the reasons for
their selection as volunteers. Participants in
the study have the option to withdraw at any
time. The researchers also ensure that this
study, which incorporates social values, will
benefit current and future research fields.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers wrote a letter to the head
principal of Calamba Integrated School
requesting permission to obtain the necessary
data. Following consent, the researchers
conducted an in-depth one-on-one interview.
In terms of data collection techniques, the
researchers devised five interview questions
that served as a guide for the respondents.
The researchers created questions that linked
to the aim of the study.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Below are the condensed narratives of
the learner’s interviews from Calamba
Integrated School on their experience with
the use of electronic dictionaries in English
language subjects.
1. How would you describe the use of
electronic dictionaries in English subject?
Respondent 1 described, “the use of
electronic dictionaries in English class is easy
for the students to learn more vocabulary and
understand more what the teachers are
teaching.”
Respondent 2 stated, “electronic dictionaries
are more competent to use rather than the
printed dictionaries because of some reason
that you can manage bring it wherever you
can because you just install it in your mobile
phones, unlike the printed dictionaries where
there is a possibility that you might misplace
it.”
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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject
Respondent 3 said, “for me, the use of
electronic
dictionaries is more convenient for me
because there are words I can't find in
printed dictionaries.
Respondent 4 expressed, “on my
opinion, electronic dictionaries may be
complicated for others especially for
those who don’t have any gadgets but
for me, especially during collaborative
learning, we can search the right entry
as quicker as possible than using the
book itself.”
Theme 1 : Student’s positive
experience in using electronic
dictionaries in English Language
Teaching Class.
According to the responses of
the students, they have gained great
experience utilizing electronic
dictionaries in English Subject as it
provides convenient and easy access of
information. The underlying theme that
emerges here is student’s positive
experience in using electronic
dictionary in the English subject. This
is supported by the study of Barham
(2017), findings of his exploratory
study show that students had great and
exciting experience in using the e-
dictionary in learning new vocabulary.
Therefore they have positive attitudes
and perceptions toward e-dictionary.
2. How does the use of electronic
dictionaries improve or enhance
your vocabulary skills?
Respondent 1 answered, “When I
started using the electronic dictionaries
I learned a lot of vocabulary words that
I don’t know before, and now, I am
using it on a daily basis and also when
Dado, Garbo & Portia
I’m writing an essay.”
Respondent 2 said, “I find that using
electronic dictionaries helps me avoid always
relying on my teacher and fellow students
when I'm having trouble understanding the
words I'm coming across.”
Respondent 3 explains, “for me, using
electronic dictionaries not only helps me with
vocabulary but also gives knowledge on how
to pronounce the particular words that I am
searching.”
Respondent 4 responded, “well, the way it is
easy to access makes me learn faster because
I can access the information one click away.”
Theme 2 : Positive impact of utilizing
Electronic dictionary in developing learner’s
vocabulary skills.
From each responses, it shows that e-
dictionary promotes vocabulary learning.
Therefore the underlying theme that emerges
from the responses is the positive impact of
utilizing Electronic dictionary in an English
Language Teaching Class
3. Have you faced any challenges while
using electronic dictionaries in learning
vocabulary? If Yes, please explain?
Respondent 1 said, "Yes, there are instances
where when I search for a certain word, a lot
of different meanings will appear. In that case,
I am confused about what’s the correct
meaning. So I have to double check and so
deal it with the help of AI itself.”
Respondent 2 answered, “It is hard to find
the correct word sometimes especially when I
don’t know the correct spelling. I have to do
trial and error identifying the correct
spelling”
Respondent 3 stated, ‘yes, when I don’t
know the correct spelling of a certain a word
or even on how it is pronounced, sometime it
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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject
just requires patience and self-
exploratory.”
Respondent 4 expressed, “Sometimes
when I’m not familiar with the
electronic dictionary itself, and some
of the entry lacks the definitions, that’s
why I have to ask assistance to my
teacher or to my classmates who are
knowledgeable in the use of the e-
dictionary.”
Theme 3: The presence of
challenges in the utilization of the
electronic dictionaries
According to the responds of
the respondents, the emerging theme
the shows is the presence of challenges
in the utilization of the electronic
dictionaries. They highlighted the
disadvantages of using it. This theme is
supported by the study of Mohammad
et al, (2017) in
exploring the advantages and
disadvantages of E-dictionaries. The
study resulted that the main difficulties
faced in utilizing e-dictionaries are
limited internet access, incomplete
definitions and examples, and
technicalities of the dictionary.
4. How do you cope with the
challenges you experienced when
using electronic dictionaries in
English class?
Respondent 1 states, “In order to find
out what the correct meaning of the
word that I am searching for is, I’m
just reading it thoroughly, and
sometimes I’m searching for similar
words."
Respondent 2 answered, “ I will just
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read carefully what the results may be.”
Respondent 3 responded, “When I encounter
challenges like that while using the electronic
dictionaries, I just look for similar words,
search for their meaning, and then compare
their similarities. With that technique, I can
easily understand the meaning of the word,
plus I’ve learned another word for it.”
Respondent 4 described, “I have to
familiarized myself with the Electronic
dictionary, by reviewing and discovering it
myself.”
Theme 4: Various strategies in coping
up with the challenges face in the utilization
of e-dictionary.
The general theme that emerges from
the responses is the various strategies used in
coping up with the challenges in utilizing
electronic dictionary. Respondents
highlighted familiarization, exploration, and
self-discovery in using e-dictionary. Study of
Loucky (2010) mentioned that students need
more guidance, familiarization and awareness
of dictionaries to maximize their usefulness.
These ideas are pointing in improving their
dictionary skills. From the study of Tang
(1997), shows that students can utilized the
electronic dictionary as long as they have the
excellent dictionary skills and they are
capable to used it in accordance to their needs.
Dictionary skills must not be forgotten as it
plays crucial role in language learning as part
of professional reference skills and as life-
long language learning skills. Additionally
according to Cubillo (2015) in her article the
role of dictionaries in the educational system
may determine the development of dictionary
skills. Thus the inclusion of dictionary use
and skills in education facilitates the
development of these skills and improves the
importance of dictionaries as an educational
and life-long learning tool (Walz 1990).
5. Based on your experiences, what
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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

suggestions do you have in mind

enable for you to maximized the use
of electronic dictionary in improving across the study plan.
your vocabulary skill?
THEMATIC CODING AND ANALYSIS
Respondent 1 suggested, “Allow
student to use their mobile phones Through the findings, the researchers
when they need to search for a word, came up with the following themes:
and also provide an internet access for
those who don’t have any internet or Theme 1: Positive impact on
data." students in the utilization of electronic
dictionaries in English Language Teaching
Respondent 2 responded, “Allow the
Class.
students share their phones especially
if their classmates don’t have one .”
Respondent 3 answered, “Balance the
use of traditional and electronic
dictionary because there
are times that electronic dictionary are
not available especially if the system is
down or it has bug.”
Respondent 4 stated, “ Always ask the
students to use the electronic
dictionary whenever it is necessary, so
that students are capable to look for the
words quicker and thus capable to read
more words without hassle, not
mentioning they will also improved
their technical skills in gadgets that is
necessary today.”
Theme 5: To practice ICT
integration such as E-dictionary as part
of vocabulary development .
Based on the responses Barham (2017) emphasizes that
provided by the respondent, the main because of the functions and convenient an e-
theme that emerges in the given dictionary have students had great and
suggestions is to practice ICT exciting experience in using the e-dictionary
integration such as E-dictionary as part while the same time learning in English class.
of the vocabulary development of the It highlights that students are conveniently
student. These suggestions are learning with the help of e-dictionary.
supported by the study of Jimenez
(2023), it resulted that students favor
electronic dictionary over the paper
dictionary. This result concluded to
advance new educational policies that
promote the systematic and
progressive inclusion of dictionary

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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

Theme 2: Electronic
dictionary as a tool in developing
learner’s vocabulary skills.

Mohammad et al, (2017 )highlighted

disadvantages of E-dictionaries that may face
by learners when it is utilized inside the
classroom. The study resulted that the main
difficulties faced in utilizing e-dictionaries
are limited internet access, incomplete
definitions and examples, and technicalities
of the dictionary. The study emphasizes
dealing with these challenges to maximize
the benefits of dictionary.
Theme 4: Coping strategies to deal
with challenges in utilizing electronic
dictionary

Davoudi and Rezaei (2016),

highlighted the influence of e-
dictionary on the vocabulary learning
and retention of learners. They
highlighted that electronic dictionary
can improve vocabulary learning when
it is utilized well in the class.
Theme 3 : Improving
dictionary skills in the utilization of
electronic dictionary.

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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

Study Loucky (2010)

highlighted that students need more Thematic Diagram
guidance, familiarization and
awareness of dictionaries to maximize
their usefulness. Study Loucky (2010)
mention that students need more
guidance, familiarization and
awareness of dictionaries to maximize
their usefulness. Additionally Tang
(1997), highlighted that students can
utilized the electronic dictionary as
long as they have the excellent
dictionary skills.

Theme 5: Suggestions in
maximizing electronic dictionaries.

In this thematic diagram, the central

theme, positive impact on students in the
utilization of electronic dictionaries in
English Language Teaching Class, is
surrounded by four keys. One is the use of an
electronic dictionary as a tool in developing
learners vocabulary skills. Another is
Improving dictionary skills through the
utilization of electronic dictionaries. Next are
Coping strategies to deal with the challenges
of utilizing an electronic dictionary. Then the
Suggestions for maximizing electronic
dictionaries These diagrams ideally visualize
the interconnectedness and relationships
between the different themes, which
highlights the multidimensionality of the
experience of utilizing e-dictionaries in
English Language Teaching Class.

Conclusion
Jimenez (2023), suggested to
Based on the findings of the study, the
utilized e-dictionary as part of the
researchers conclude that the used of
learning development of learners. He
Electronic Dictionary in English Language
emphasized to advance new
subject are found Effective instructional
educational policies that promote the
resource in learning and
systematic and progressive inclusion of
dictionary across the study plan.

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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject
enhancing students vocabulary skills.
Furthermore, It is highly recommended
for the student to use Electronic
Dictionary in English Language to
strengthen students vocabulary. The
study results appeared to correspond
with a prior study conducted by Zhiva
Shen (2013), which said that using
electronic dictionaries is the most
effective way to assist students in
enhancing their reading performance,
knowledge, and achievements.
Recommendation
On the light of the
aforementioned summary of findings
and conclusions derived from the study,
the following recommendations are
hereby presented:
1. The Department of Education may
allow and promote the use of an
electronic dictionary, especially during
English class. The Department of
Education should provide proper
equipment or even allow the student to
access their phone and use an
electronic Dictionary only during
language class. This practice may
result in being prepared for 21st
century learning as well as enhancing
the student's vocabulary with the help
of an electronic dictionary.
2.School Administrators: Support
professional development for
teachers. School administrators may
prioritize and allocate resources for
professional development sessions that
focus on the use of electronic
dictionaries. This will help teachers
gain the necessary knowledge and
skills to effectively facilitate the
English class. Aside from that, it may
also help the teacher provide
authoritative advice to students on how
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to use the electronic dictionary effectively.
Create a supportive school
culture:Administrators can cultivate a
positive and inclusive school culture that
values and encourages the use of ICT
integration in the classroom, particularly in
preparation for the twenty-first century
classroom. This can be accomplished by
providing the necessary classroom equipment.
3. Teachers: Integrate ICT learning in the
classroom. Teachers may incorporate ICT
learning activities and projects into their
lesson plans, aligning them with curriculum
objectives. Teachers can integrate
educational apps or websites and create
interactive assignments, especially an
electronic dictionary, to support the students
needs in terms of vocabulary in an English
Language class.
Provide clear instructions and guidelines:
Teachers can help students understand the
objectives, expectations, and guidelines for
using the electronic dictionary in their
activity. Teachers may assign an article, and
students must consult their Electronic
Dictionary whenever they come across
hifalutin words. A student-centered approach
is used in this manner.
4. Parents- To stay informed about their
child's performance, parents should maintain
open lines of communication with teachers.
Attending parent-teacher conferences,
participating in school events, and discussing
their child's progress and challenges in
integrating and using Electronic Dictioanary
in the language class can all be part of this..
5. Students- Students should understand the
value of using a dictionary. Electronic
dictionaries, in particular, accelerate their
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Highlighting the experience of the selected Grade 10 Students in Calamba Integrated School on the Use of
Electronic Dictionary in English Language Subject

vocabulary in terms of the English

language. Increasing students'
awareness of the benefits of using an
electronic dictionary to improve their
vocabulary skills will not only improve
their academic performance but also
prepare them for future professional
environments.

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