Dictogloss

Dictogloss is a type of supported dictation that integrates the four domains of listening, speaking, reading, viewing, and writing. The teacher reads a short topic-based text several times and the learners listen and try to produce their own version as close to the original as possible.

How to Do Dictogloss

Here are the steps on how to do Dictogloss:

The teacher reads a short text at normal speed.
The learners listen and take notes.
The teacher writes any new subject vocabulary on the board.
The teacher repeats the reading.
The learners listen and take notes again.
The learners form pairs and share their notes.
The teacher reads the text for a third and final time.
The learners form groups of four to produce a final written version of the text.

Benefits of Using Dictogloss

Here are some of the benefits of using Dictogloss:

It is low preparation.
It is suitable for a range of ages.
It can be used for all subjects.
It can be used with all levels of proficiency.
It is collaborative.
It is particularly good for mixed-ability classes.
It is a good way of introducing EAL learners to more advanced language patterns.

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Top Tips for Using Dictogloss

Here are some top tips for using Dictogloss:

For learners who are new to English, you might want to give them some of the key vocabulary to translate at home before the class.
Using visuals or even graphs and charts while you're speaking can provide extra support for both lower-level learners and more advanced learners.
You might want to get pupils to act it out the first time they hear it instead of making notes.
If you wanted to stretch or challenge one of your more advanced learners, you could give one learner from each group the text so that they become the teacher for their group.
To adapt this for independent learning, teachers could record themselves using screen capture software such as PowerPoint.