The objection to dictionaries in exams is not so much about the assistance with spelling it provides but with the information contained in the definitions.   If, for example, a Geography / Geology student wanted to check the spelling of “stalagmite”  the definition would also remind one that it is a deposit formed from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lime rich water dripping onto the floor of a cave.  This would also tell you, by elimination, the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite (they’re the ones hanging down from the cavern roof) and which could be or great assistance with the exam question being addressed.   Also, using a conventional book dictionary can be very  time consuming and frustrating especially in an exam as one needs have a reasonable idea of the spelling in the first place in order to locate the word  (you won’t find “psychology” under “S”, for example).

But a good many students can’t spell without a computer spell checker these days,  so as long as spelling is not critical to the subject at hand and is intelligible then the tutors would probably be minded to disregard the errors.    But best to ask the academics concerned, it’s their exam.

Bryan Jones,

Manager, Disability Support Services

& North London Regional Access Centre,

Middlesex University

Tel: 020 8411 5366

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pauline McInnes
Sent: 14 July 2008 15:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Use of dictionaries in exams

Dear All,

I sent e mails to the lists about this topic about a month ago, but unless I am much mistaken, I don’t think I received a reply, so I am trying again. 

Here at Roehampton, we are considering allowing students with a Specific Learning Difficulty to use dictionaries in exams.  Can anyone tell me if they do this as well and how well the system has worked?

Regards

Pauline

Head of Disability Services

Student Services

Roehampton University

Roehampton Lane

London

SW15 5PJ

Tel: 020 8392 3366

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