Dictation: New Methods, New Possibilities (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers) [Paperback]

Paul Davis (Author), Mario Rinvolucri (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521348196 | ISBN-13: 978-0521348195 | Publication Date: January 27, 1989

Dictation contains a wealth of new techniques to extend the traditional language-learning activity of dictation. The authors present some thought-provoking answers to such apparently simple questions as: Who chooses the text? Who dictates? Who corrects? What and how do they correct? The activities range from traditional focuses on spelling and punctuation problems to exercise that emphasize personal attitudes and opinions of both teachers and students. Dictation provides: activities suitable for a wide range of levels and ages; example texts for many activities, with permission to copy; opportunities for students to create their own texts; a variety of suggested correction techniques; suggestions for using dictation in teacher training.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

A wealth of innovative techniques to transform the traditional language-learning activity of dictation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 27, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521348196
• ISBN-13: 978-0521348195
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent ESL Tool!, July 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dictation: New Methods, New Possibilities (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers) (Paperback)

I teach a intermediate/advanced reading and writing class in an adult English as a Second Language program in Arlington, Virginia, and this book is by far my favorite resource. My students are always asking for dictations, and this book provides stimulating twists on the standard dictation. Each activity is rated as to the difficulty and adaptability level, and most activities are adaptable to different levels. The book provides activities for groups and pair work, which is so important in the adult ESL classroom. The activities really get the students excited, and many get them up and moving around. A favorite is an activity called "Messenger and Scribe" in which one student reads from a prepared text taped to the wall in the hallway, remembers what he or she has read, and returns to the classroom to dictate to the "Scribe" in the pair what the text says. This provides excellent opportunities for self-correction, and different prepared texts can be used for different level students in a multi-level classroom. I highly recommend this book to any teacher who is looking for a new way to present an old favorite. If reading and writing is even a small part of the class that you teach, this book should be on your shelf.