Classroom Procedure
The sheets can be distributed to students randomly, or in such a way as to maximize the efficacy of the activity. Pairing high and low level students; girls and boys, and creating different pairs each time the activity is done seems to produce the best results. I usually create random pairs by taking a count of the students, dividing this number in half, and assigning numbers to the students so that, for example, if there are 25 students present, I assign numbers one to twelve twice, and create one three-student group. As I count, I distribute the dictation sheets to the students. Thus, the students assigned the same number constitute a pair, and the creation of a three member group is only necessary if the total number of students is an odd number.