Go to a free website that provides English dictations (see Resources). Alternatively, go to a book store and buy a study a textbook with an accompanying audio CD or cassette. You can work the dictation exercises provided to learn.
Set up your computer's speakers, or plug your headphones into the appropriate input jack. Test the sound level by listening to a piece of music, or by playing the English audio. Adjust the volume so that you can hear clearly.
Get your pen and paper ready, and work in a quiet area so that you can concentrate on the dictation exercises.
Follow the accompanying instructions to the English dictation exercise. First, listen to the audio sample without writing anything down. Understand the situation, issue or problem that is being discussed by recognizing key words as the speaker dictates -- such as "grocery store" or verbs, such as "want" or "buy."
Listen to the audio sample for a second time. This time, write down as much of the information as you can. Focus on getting getting as much of the grammar correct as possible during this listening. Do not worry if you need to leave gaps in certain places, as you can come back to these gaps when you listen to the audio again.
Review the English dictation that you have written down. Use your understanding of English to make corrections. For example, if there is a question being asked, do not forget to add the question mark at the end of the sentence.
Play the audio for a second time, while checking the sentence that you have written. Adjust any errors and fill in blank spaces that have been left.
Put the audio lesson on for a final time, but instead of looking at the dictation you have written, just listen carefully. This will help you focus on the words being used, so you are not distracted by your writing.
Check your work for the last time before checking the answers. Read the dictation out loud, and use your English language skills and knowledge to clarify that it makes sense.
Look at the answers by revealing the correct dictation text on the computer screen, or reviewing the answers in the back of your textbook.
Learn from the mistakes you made. Underline the errors you made and make the necessary corrections.
Progress onto the next level of dictation when you feel confident and capable of completing it successfully. You are ready to move on when you consistently get the beginner exercises correct.