TEACHING GRAMMAR

HOW DO WE LEARN GRAMMAR

Teaching the language system

Teaching grammar considering its three perspectives form, meaning and use is a real challenge for teachers. Many times we fail to do it as sometimes we just stick to the form of grammar, but we need to remember that it is easier for learners to pick up the language when it is contextualized and it is used in a purpose way. Our role as teachers is to look for the best techniques in order to present it in a noticeable way so they can intake it into their new language. One important aspect of learning is automatizing; this occurs when the learner uses several times the same structure successfully and in a communicative way, this would not be possible if we do not provide such opportunities in the classroom.

The teacher also has to take important decisions that will affect or benefit the learning process such as what material to present and in what order and how to present it taking into account all the pedagogical implications of grammar acquisition. For example, we as teachers cannot expect that a student acquire something or use it accurately if he is not ready, that is why a deep research on this matter is needed in order to understand these processes.

The learner needs to make choices for effective interaction and use strategies to benefit from every class, look for opportunities to use the structures, be curious of the language and have a good attitude toward learning and practicing.

Teaching grammar requires first of all a good knowledge of it to give us confidence, if we are not complete sure of something we must investigate it before teaching it, there are always curious and advanced students who we should also help to continue in their level of proficiency. Second we need to think carefully how to present it and how we will provide opportunities to practice the structure within a context that interest students. I think we also need plenty of experience in order to master this area of teaching.

One important aspect that we must not forget is that students can memorize chunks of language and use them to communicate, even if they don’t understand their structure but if they observe how to use them they can communicate effectively and accelerate their learning. I recommend giving selected phrases to beginner students to start communicating in English in the classroom.

Finally, when we present a grammar structure, we can present it in a simple way, then later to recycle it with new functions and extend vocabulary, this help students to continue practicing such structure and not to forget it. This technique works well in my classes.