Turning an old methodology to a communicative language teaching device : a new method of giving dictation

Abstract EN

Dictation has been a feature of language classroms for hundreds of years.

It is considered by many teachers as somewhat old-fashioned and obsolete, a relic of the Grammar-translation method that dominated language teaching until the end of the 20th century.

Thus, it refers to the dull, uncommunicative and often difficult lessons, where the focus was mainly on accuracy and correcteness rather than fluency.

However, it contends that effective use of dictation activities will help improve students’ proficiency in the four aspects of English language.

In this article we attempt to explore how dictation can be used as a device to improve students’ performance.

We will highlight the many benefits of dictation and at the same time provide some practical ideas on how to use it.

Finally, we will consider some implications using this valuable method in our class sessions.