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This research investigated JH School students´ learning strategies while systematically receiving dictionary skills. This research identified a gap in knowledge in this domain. The study explored the changes the students underwent after studying dictionary skills and their perceived attitudes toward English as a foreign language. It adopted an inductive-naturalistic approach, and ethnographic research framework. The research was conducted in four stages and included observation and semi-structured interviews with JHS and HS English teachers, as well as JH students. The research created a new understanding of the importance of teaching dictionary skills systematically in JH Schools. It shows that dictionary knowledge leads to stronger motivation to use the language, increases self-confidence in the students´ perceptions as competent learners and improves their perceived coping abilities with the challenges associated with future learning of a foreign language. Additionally, using the dictionary as a learning strategy enables self-directed learning, that is perceived later as fostering lifelong learning.

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Dr. Aviva Blacharovich is a lecturer of English as a foreign language at Bar Ilan University, and at Braude Academic College in Israel. Her academic activities revolve around teaching dictionary skills in relation to reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition in JH and High School.

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