dictionaries on beginning level Russian tests?

[Emily Saunders]

I teach online, and so I cannot really effectively ban dictionaries.  What I *do* do, however, is create digital online tests that pull from a large pool of questions (so each test, and each time they take it, the actual questions will be different).  And I construct the tests such that I want students to get the basic concepts rather than just individual pieces of info.  I also include a listening comprehension portion.  

So if they use dictionaries, that just represents real life.  You could also time the test so that if they need to look up every single word, they won't finish.  

Emily

P.S. Oh, and I seriously penalize for misuse of Google translate -- like if they turn in an answer with a past participle in it...
On Nov 5, 2013, at 11:45 AM, Elena Nelson wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
> 
> I have one Beginning Russian student from Argentina who insists that it is normal for students to use dictionaries when taking beginner-level tests.   I have told him why I do not permit dictionaries (one reason being that he needs to memorize new vocabulary), but I am hoping to also get some input from you as to whether you allow dictionaries on beginning level language tests, and why/why not.   This question had never occurred to me in the past, because it just seems obvious to me that they are not used.  Thank you!
> 
> Elena
> 
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