Nuance - I Speak Dragon

dragonstories2011 Posted: 06-18-2011 12:36 AM

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In one of the school districts where I worked, I worked in small groups with individuals who needed to pass the speaking portion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  This can be a very difficult test for non-native English speakers because it not only requires them to  speak English in response to six different prompts, but  also is timed and rated. 

We met in small groups so that I could provide individualized attention. They needed to practice with a native English speaker who could model, evaluate, and critique their responses. 

Using Dictate on my iPad and iPhone, they could have a written representation of  their responses.  If I said what they said, and it was accurately transcribed it shows clearly what words  they need to practice.  It can be a challenge to pronounce words in another language if that sound doesn't exist in your native language. 

Dictate also helped with the structure of their responses. Each prompt has  a maximum response time of up to 1 minute.  They have to organize their thoughts and say them coherently.  It is difficulty to teach unity and coherence by speaking or from just listening. It is important to see what's there and is effective and realize what was missing or out of sequence. Dictate allowed me to show them why a particular response was effective. By using Dictate on my mobile devices, I could inexpensively provide effective teaching with the latest technology.  How does it get any better?

Ennis Howard Jr.