Dictogloss

In a Dictogloss, students practice multiple skills, plus use grammar and vocabulary to reconstruct a text that is read to them.

Preparation

Select appropriate text.

Procedure

1. Introduce the topic and key vocabulary. Review grammar points, if necessary. 2. Read the chosen text once, allowing students to simply listen.

Read it again and have students take notes. The point is not to get every word, but the main ideas, so don’t read it as slowly as you would a dictation. 3. In pairs/small groups, have students work together to reconstruct the text, paying attention to punctuation, spelling, and the main ideas. The focus is on communication. 4. Have pairs/small groups share their versions with other pairs/ small groups. 5. Compare students’ texts with the original and discuss the differences between them (for more information, go to: www.carla. umn.edu/cobaltt/modules/strategies/Dictogloss.pdf).

When to Use It

• To build vocabulary and written fluency • To introduce/highlight new lexical items or grammatical forms

Level

High beginning and above, depending on text chosen (choose one of interest to students, with the grammar or vocabulary on which you want to focus)

Skills

Practice

Materials

Writing paper

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Activity Time

15–45 minutes, depending on length of text