A free conversation with a student can count as a lesson, but only if it has a stated purpose, the teacher records and returns language, and the learner reflects. Without these, the student may feel nothing was taught.
Minimum structure
- State the aim (Today we’ll chat about your routines, and I’ll note grammar and vocabulary).
- Note language learned or corrected; check whether the learner noticed it.
- Learner says what went well and what to work on.
- End with a learner summary or a mind map.
- An article or video as a base adds structure.
Connection to theory (Claude)
These are the three things that separate Dogme from “just talking”: a focus on emergent language, scaffolding, and a reflection/round-up stage (Meddings & Thornbury). It’s also the answer to the learner’s perception problem: make the learning visible.
Connections
Dogme ELT - materials-light, conversation-driven teaching · Recycle emergent language - board photos and upgraded learner texts · Round-ups, gapped boardwork and reformulation