In response to Re How Do You Find Information? (yu2fa3)

I will concede that dictation and its use is sadly neglected in English teaching

Depending on the teacher! I do running dictations with my classes quite often! Works all skills (reading/writing/speaking/listening) and it's great fun!

I agree about the accents though; I worked with a South African teacher in Chin and the parents complained heavily that their kids were speaking with an SA accent.