Dictogloss

Dictogloss is a form of dictation, in which the students hear and reconstruct the whole text rather than doing so line by lin(Wajnryb 1990). Dictogloss is useful I in that learning becomes an active involvement and that it stimulates motivation.  It could primarily be used for grammar and vocabulary.

Steps:

1.       Create a short text (4 to 5 sentences or lines),  that has the language item you will focus on, such as “comparatives”, “would for past habits”, “personality adjectives”, etc.

2.       Prepare students with a warm-up. Introduce the topic and pre-teach some vocabulary if needed.

3.       After chatting about it for a few minutes read the story twice at normal speed. The first time, they should not write anything  but just listen. Pause between sentences.

4.       Have students reconstruct the story. Underline that the aim is not to write the story word for word, but to write the key ideas.

5.       Students, then work in groups, compare their notes and try to reconstruct the text on OHT strips (you could have students write on the board if technology is not available).

6.       Choose a volunteer group to display the story and ask other groups to give feedback, make necessary changes.

7.       Finally, project the original text and ask students to identify any differences between the two texts.

8.       As a follow-up activity, students may write a similar text.

 An example text

 “When I was a child we used to go camping every summer. We’d choose a different place each year, and we’d drive around until we found a beach we liked. Then, we’d pitch our tent, as near as possible to the beach. We’d usually spend most of the time on the beach or exploring the country round about. We never went to the same beach twice.”

For further information on dictogloss, see Wajnryb, R. (1990). Resource Books for Teachers: Grammar Dictation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Also visit:

 The Dictogloss: Intensive listening for integrated language development by Jason Renshaw

Combining dictogloss and cooperative learning to promote language learning