Dialogue dictations as communicative activities: A four skills task

By David Ockert

Quick Guide

Key words: group work, large group, dialogue, dictation, four-skills

Learner English level: All

Learner maturity level: All

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes

Activity time: Depends on number of students and materials

Materials: Print of a reading text or passage

Introduction

This activity works great with large groups because it requires the use of all four language skills in an exciting, interactive, and low-pressure competition. Furthermore, this activity works great with managing large groups of false-beginners (Norris, 1993). Research shows that Japanese learners of English like to work in groups (Ockert, 2005), but may have feelings toward the efficacy of the task that may differ from the teacher’s (Burden, 2005). However, recent research shows that male students of specific majors prefer moving about the classroom while completing tasks (Ockert, 2006). This task works best in a classroom where tables and chairs can be moved.

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