Online Collocation Dictionary in L2 Writing: How Learners Use and Perceive Its Effectiveness

Abstract

This study examined how Vietnamese advanced language learners used and perceived the effectiveness of the Oxford online collocation dictionary as a supportive tool in their L2 writing. Eighty-one English major students were asked to do a writing task and were encouraged to use this dictionary to search for collocations that they want. Their use of the dictionary to look-up collocations while doing the writing was observed by using the recording sheets. Immediately after completing the writing, the participants were asked to do the questionnaires. Eight of the participants were then invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The results of the recording sheets showed that learners approach the dictionary for help with collocations of adjective-noun and verb-noun grammatical patterns most frequently. They made very limited use of the dictionary to look-up collocations of noun-noun and adverb-adjective pattern. The results of the questionnaires and thematic analysis revealed that learners are very positive towards the use of the dictionary. However, non-plentiful content, lack of pronunciation and suggestions of look-up words are drawbacks and are expected to be improved.