Interactive topical learner's idiom dictionary in the Moodle LMS on the basis of EMPOWER C1 course: development and beta-testing

The paper deals with the features and potential of topical learner’s dictionary of idioms as an interactive resource that naturally complements English C1 CEFR course for a student majoring in linguistics. The authors examine lexicographic classifications and clarify the definition of the term “topical learner’s dictionary”. With respect to the C1 level based on the Empower C1 course for teaching linguists, the need to supplement the course with an interactive topical learner’s idiom dictionary on the corporate Moodle platform “Electronic SUSU 2.0” is revealed. Based on the study of theoretical sources and materials of the Empower C1 course, the authors have developed and tested not only the interactive dictionary itself, consisting of five modules, but also exercises for it: automated exercises that are embedded in the body of the dictionary in the H5P shell, and open-ended question exercises that are implemented by means of the course elements “forum” and “assignment”. The dictionary was tested in groups LM-331, LM-333, LM-437 (Institute of Linguistics and International Communications, Department of Linguistics and Translation) in February-April 2021. The student outcomes and the post-course survey analysis showed a high interest of students in a new format and the topic of using idioms in speech and translation, as well as engagement tracked by their posts in forums.