Is it a Must to Teach Grammar?
By Zarela Cruz
When it comes to grammar, students’ (and
even teachers’) reactions can be quite diverse: from enthusiasm to boredom. It
should not necessarily be like that. Students do need grammar to speak and
write correctly. Without that knowledge,
they may be fluent, but not accurate.
As teachers, we must keep in mind that grammar
should be contextualized; otherwise, any grammar point we teach will end up as
a set of rules that form a pile of information for the students to memorize. Needless
to say, this is not a bright prospect for any learner, regardless of their
level.
So, how could we teach modals, for
example? By teaching functional language, that is making polite requests, giving
advice, giving orders and so on. How can you teach and contrast the present
perfect and the simple past? By preparing a list of “Find someone who…..” and
adding information questions to clarify students’ answers. You want to teach regular
and irregular verbs? Play bingo! Do
you prefer action? Sit students in circles
and throw a small ball to a student while asking the past tense of a given
verb. It the student does not know the answer, they have to leave the circle. If
they answer correctly, they will throw the ball to another pupil and mention
another verb for the receiver to come up with the past tense, and so on. You
are not allowed to make such a fuss within the classroom? Well, “noughts and crosses” is another
option. Have you ever tried “Change your place if....?” You may use
this activity not only to practice grammar, but also to reinforce new
vocabulary.
Not your best choice? Then you may want
to use pictures from famous people and ask students what they know
about them using for example, simple past, or future with will to make
predictions, or make hypothesis. You may also want to compare two by using comparatives, or mention more elements and look for
superlatives. The list is endless.
And remember:
Now your turn:
How do you make your students feel eager to learn grammar? or Have you
already given up?
Let us know by leaving a comment!
Your colleagues will benefit from your experience! Peer support is
always a plus!
References
Biodata
Zarela Cruz graduated
from Ricardo Palma University as a translator. She also finished her
master’s studies in
Linguistics and took some specialization diplomas in English and Spanish. She
has also completed a number of online certificates: Teaching the Working
Adult, Online, Hybrid and Blended Education, among other self-study
courses. She has taught different courses, programs and levels and has
been a teacher trainer, a lecturer and online instructor. This article
aims to reflect on the teaching of grammar
