During a diagnostic assessment on dictionary skills I identified that only one student, in my class of 22, could locate a word in the dictionary. I understood that there are a range of necessary skills required for this task and sourced a learning activity to assist students to be successful in this task. These tasks included being familiar with the alphabetical order of letters, guide words in dictionaries and also understanding how to read the information in the dictionary meaning. The dictionary skills booklet I sourced provided students with a step by step guide. Initially the class worked together on a PowerPoint slide with me on alphabetical order and then on using guide words in the dictionary. As they gained confidence with their understanding they were provided opportunity to continue to practice using a self-paced work book with the goal of being able to efficiently use a dictionary. This teaching and learning strategy showed success with some students being able to locate words quickly and efficiently in a dictionary and most students being able to find words with some time provided.
This demonstrates evidence towards focus area 1.5, focus area 2.1, focus area 2.5, focus area 3.1, focus area 3.3, focus area 3.4 and focus area 5.4. Additionally the Guide Word Sort demonstrates how I have provided simple feedback to the student. The dot next to the incorrect answer indicates to the student to check their work and have another try. This demonstrates evidence towards focus area 5.2.
