What is Pictogloss? This activity is derived from a technique coined by Ruth Wajnryb (1990). In her activity, a short text with a structural focus is selected or devised. The teacher reads the text at a normal pace as learners jot down words and phrases that will help them to reconstruct the text at a later time. Students can then work individually, in pairs or in groups or in a collaborative fashion with a teacher at the board to reproduce the text in terms of content. There is no intention to elicit an exact replica of the text. The focus is on meaning. Pictogloss operates in a similar fashion. Procedures are given below and may also be found on the second slide of the flash files.

 

Here are the procedures:

 

1) There are various photographs and or illustrations presented for each activity. Tell the students to write down notes about each image (whatever may come to mind) using words and phrases as they view each picture. They will have 20 to 30 seconds for each image.

2) After they have accomplished this, have the students work individually, in pairs, groups or with the teacher or more able student at a white board. In collaboration or working alone, have the students develop and write down a story from the words and phrases they have produced. If they are working in pairs or groups, one student may act as the ‘secretary’. Perhaps another student will be chosen to read the ‘story’.

3) Finally, students may be called upon randomly to tell their own or their group’s story (as an oral presentation). Emphasize the fact that they will not be judged for grammaticality. The focus should be on expression, meaning and ‘fun’.

 

Wajnryb, R. (1990) Grammar Dictation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.