Dictogloss
24September 29, 2009 by Willy Cardoso
Dictogloss is a classroom dictation activity where learners listen to a text, usually a short one, and then reconstruct it.
One simple framework can be: Students listen to the text only, and on the second time they note down key words or phrases. In pairs or small groups they reconstruct the text and then report to the whole class. The teacher elicits marker sentences and record them on the board for focusing on form.
Dictogloss is as a multiple skills activity. Learners practise listening, writing and speaking , and use grammar and lexis to complete the task. I found it particularly useful for inductive grammar instruction, and as an alternative to print text-based lessons.
Below is a video that illustrates pretty well the whole idea.
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I’ll try it with my students!!!
let me know how they like it.
hi..
its the first time I read this site,and it seems that Dictogloss is very useful …
but, unfortunately, I cant enjoy the video, is there any explanation about the Dictogloss in words?
so I can read the steps well..
thank you very much
Hi Willy,
I’ve been using dictogloss for a long time and it’s a helpful task. It’s great to make students practise vocabulary, grammar, listening and writing skills. it can also be used as an introduction of a talking point in class. I’ve loved this activity ever since I heard about it in a conference.
Regards,
Marisa
Thanks for your comments Marisa!
When I first learned dictogloss I didn’t give it much credit, now I’ve been using it more when it’s a review lesson, I take a text from the coursebook, one they have worked on previously and dictate it. Students have enjoyed this kind of class.
Hi Wllly,
I’ve been using dictogloss throughout the second semester with my Primary School classes. It has tunred out to be a really useful activity and a classroom favourite. However, I had to persist with it in the beginning as the children were not used to the idea and it took a few attempts before they got the idea. After that, it was easy to set up though as all I needed to say was ‘dictogloss time!’ and they would know what to expect.
Next year with new classes, I think I’ll bring it in earlier in the year but start out with brief sentences to get the concept across before moving on to longer texts. I will also have the chance to do some text reconstruction in the computer lab with my classes next year so it will help as preparation for that.
David D
Thanks for your comments Dave!
First time is indeed a bit confusing if students had never done it, but after a while they see the benefits of this activity.
Adults also enjoy it, actually, my recent experience is limited to teaching adults and dictogloss works fine with them just as well.
Thanks so much
You’re welcome Asdar!
Hi Willy,
Last year I attended the ICELT course, and I learnt about the dictogloss. I’ve been using it since there. I work with children and teenagers, and it’s a great tool to keep them busy and thinking. Thanks a lot for the video. It’s quite interesting to learn a different way of using the dictogloss.
[...] the one (and only) Ronnie Corbett complain about his blackberry being out of order. We also did a dictagloss about multiculturalism and watched excerpts of the Last Night of the Proms, Queen Victoria sang [...]
Hey Willy, not seen this one before. I only wanted to say…
I love dictogloss!
cheers
R
Hi, my name is Ethel. I am from Honduras. I came across your site through Google search. I’m thankful I did!! I love your site, it’s very inspiring. I will try dictogloss tomorrow with my students to teach the simple present tense.
I had read about dictogloss but it’s even better to see it live happen in the classroom.
Thanks for sharing. I’ll be looking for some more great teaching tips.
Hi Ethel!
I’m glad you enjoyed the blog, and thanks for leaving a message.
Do take a look at other entries, especially the latest ones, some of them are quite thought-provoking. And always feel free to join the conversation, I love to hear about the experience of other teachers.
Where Can I Get the Book (in Indonesia) ?
I really Need the Book
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I really love this method. I am using it in my grammar class and my students love it. Thanks. Mozhgan Hudiburgh
I really love this method. I am using it in my grammar class and my students love it. Thanks. Mozhgan Hudiburgh
Great method… loved it…
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I used this method in my Persian Grammar course recently,it was great and my students loved it. Thank you a lot. It is amazing. ………………….. Mozhgan Hudiburgh / U.S.A
That’s great news!!!
Yes, It is!
Thanks again and again….
Best wishes,
Mozhgan Hudiburgh
I am really enjoy this method as well as my students. Thanks again.
Mozhgan Hudiburgh ( Mojie)
This methods seems to be great to be used with teenagers!I’m from Argentina. thanks a lot
Wajnryb, R. (1990). Grammar Dictation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. This is the original version of Dictogloss, I came across the book when I was doing the Cambridge Delta in Istanbul some years ago. Try it out!