Dictionaries and translators in exams

[Valerie Orme-Dawson]

Hi everyone,

I am seeking assistance with how to handle the situation of dictionaries and electronic translators in exams. While our students have been using them in their lessons  with the belief that they will be able to use them in exams, having had an email conversation with an exam officer it seems that this will now not be possible due to the rulings of no definitions being allowed. ALL dictionaries and translators seem to have this function.The exam board will not specify any appropriate models. In addition the need to keep them safely in the centre is unworkable as the students need them for revision. Please could anyone advise how they deal with these situations. 

Many thanks,

Valerie Orme-Dawson

[christiana Rose]

Hi,
 
My understanding is that whilst electronic translators are not allowed, a dictionary is fine provided that it's been checked for notes. Most bilingual dictionaries don't have definitions, just a word for word translation, with examples of how the word might be used. This may, however, be different for dictionaries specially designed for English learners. I would recommend Collins, Oxford or Langenscheidt pocket dictionaries as examples of  the kind of thing that's usually allowed by examiners.
 
Christiana Rose

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Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 09:59:37 +0100
Subject: [EAL-Bilingual;2550] Dictionaries and translators in exams
From: val...@googlemail.com
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[James Luke Bazeley]

You should have this information 

2.17.2 A standard bilingual translation dictionary must be used by the candidate. This may be an electronic bilingual translation dictionary or a hard copy paper bilingual translation dictionary. Monolingual dictionaries (which define words and phrases) reading pens, translators, wordlists or glossaries must not be used. 

The bilingual translation dictionary must not contain/display pictures or provide an explanation or clarification of words and phrases. As an example, a Polish to English bilingual translation dictionary must simply be the word in Polish and the equivalent word in English. 

2.17.3 Bilingual translation dictionaries to be used in the examination must be held in the centre under secure conditions. They must be thoroughly checked to ensure that notes have not been enclosed within or written on the pages of the dictionary. This should include checking that no other unauthorised information is contained in the dictionary. A candidate using a bilingual translation dictionary which contains notes will lose their marks and their right to this access arrangement. 

found in

 http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/regulations-and-guidance/access-arrangements-reasonable-adjustments-and-special-consideration-2012-2013 

the interpretation of these two sentences is problematic.... -

The bilingual translation dictionary must not contain/display pictures or provide an explanation or clarification of words and phrases. As an example, a Polish to English bilingual translation dictionary must simply be the word in Polish and the equivalent word in English. 

 No dictionary of  GCSE quality and range will exclusively  simply give  the word in English and the equivalent word in Polish. 

Luke Bazeley

luke_b...@yahoo.co.uk