13: Teaching Grammar

Best Practice 13: Teaching Grammar

Grammar is often considered one of the most frightening aspects of English language education for teachers and students alike. Regardless of difficulty, grammar rules must be understood to grasp the language. After all, knowing how to build and use certain structures is the key to successful communication at all levels. Because those who speak badly may not be taken seriously it is an effective teacher’s role to ensure that students understand both how grammar works and how to use it.

Finding Balance

Grammar worksheets should not been seen as busy work but instead as opportunities to engage students in constructive conversation around a specific set of questions. This can be accomplished by asking for oral responses to grammar questions in real time and, ultimately, asking more advanced students more penetrating questions about why they have answered they way they have. For example, for the following mini-assignment on in/on/at, instead of asking for written responses, teachers can ask the questions aloud and ask for responses in real time. (Note: as an added bonus, in this way it is easy to “stretch” grammar exercises by asking additional questions. Again, using picture 1 below, teachers can ask about the cans “on” the counter or request that students describe other objects on the page [such as the sauce “in” the can] to further reinforce learning.)

Plan Ahead

Conveying the rules of grammar in an understandable format for ESL students can be a challenge for even the most experienced English teachers. Just because teachers can speak the language does not mean they can improvise examples. After all, English grammar is tricky and there are more exceptions to many rules than one would like. Nothing is worse than a model sentence that does not hold up to scrutiny. Proper planning* ensures a solid foundation for the lesson to come. With this in mind teacher and student alike can successfully navigate the intricacies of the language.

* It can be as little as five minutes of brainstorming before class but the more the better!