Points to Consider When Teaching Grammar
Grammar is the foundation upon which all languages are built. A good understanding of it is crucial for foreign language students to attain a sufficient level of fluency and proficiency in English and express themselves confidently and clearly.
Table of Contents
Teaching for Specific Purposes
Fostering Effective Communication
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author, an alumni of ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ITTT. The content provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official endorsement or representation by ITTT.
Importance of Grammar
As native English speakers, we often take our language for granted, rarely thinking about the grammatical rules we follow. However, as teachers, it is essential to have extensive knowledge of grammar to avoid difficulties in the classroom.
Challenges and Questions
As students progress in their learning, sentence structures become more complex, leading to questions about advanced grammar concepts such as the passive voice, modal and phrasal verbs, subjunctive mood, and more. Clear explanations accompanied by good examples are vital to prevent frustration for both teachers and students.
Careful Lesson Planning
To prevent overwhelming students with excessive information, lessons should be planned carefully. While beginner-level lessons may follow the Straight Arrow ESA method, more advanced grammatical structures may require a well-balanced Patchwork or Boomerang lesson approach. It's important to consider student interests and select materials and activities that are informative, entertaining, and aligned with their preferences.
Teaching for Specific Purposes
When teaching English for specific purposes, such as university entrance exams or Business English classes, prioritizing relevant grammatical areas is necessary. Poor grammar can negatively impact professional credibility and lead to costly misunderstandings. Identifying areas of weakness through questionnaires or diagnostics is crucial in tailoring lessons to students' specific needs.
Fostering Effective Communication
As teachers, we bear the responsibility of equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate various situations. Encouraging maximum student participation through elicitation, roleplay, discussions, debates, group or pair work, and communication-focused quizzes is essential. Effective communication, whether in social gatherings, business meetings, or everyday scenarios like shopping, relies heavily on a solid understanding of grammar.
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
Apply now & get certified to teach english abroad!
Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad!
Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.
Related Articles:
- Top 10 Cities in Europe with the Highest Demand for English Language Teachers
- 5 Reasons To Take A TEFL Course Right Now - Even If You Are Not Leaving Yet | ITTT | TEFL Blog
- All the Documents You Will Need to Teach English Abroad
- The Impact of Positive Motivation on an ESL Classroom
- You're Never Too Old to Change Your Life and Do a TEFL Course | ITTT | TEFL Blog
- Getting Student Placement Right - The Best Desk Arrangements for EFL Students
