There has been much debate on the teaching of grammar in schools. Long ago it was thought that grammar had no real bearing on ones writing, but now some would disagree with that assumption. In fact, grammar is an important aspect in ones writing. Without the knowledge of basic grammatical concepts like nouns, verbs, pronouns and punctuation, one would not be able to write correctly. Formerly, an interview was done with twenty-five teachers on their thoughts and views of grammar. Each instructor had their own way of teaching grammar; in fact, almost all the instructors that were interviewed agreed on the best way to help an individual understand the concept of grammar.
Writing can be a difficult task if the proper instruction is not taught. Students do not generally learn how to write given only the basic concepts of grammar. However, some students only write what is heard and not what is actually correct. One stated that the students can't go by what sounds right because they have no good role model. Therefore, the teachers must engage the students in their own writings so that they can see what mistakes they are making.
According to some of the instructors that participated in the interview with Brenda Petruzzella, several instructors felt that the most effective way to teach grammar was through individualized learning. They felt that most students would benefit from grammar if they were shown what mistakes they were making. However, in order to learn grammar one must understand the basic forms of writing like nouns, verbs, punctuation, and more. Amoung the many concepts of approaching grammar, many felt that sentence diagramming and sentence combining would benefit their students. The more and more students practice diagramming typical errors in writing, the easier it can be to pick out their own mistakes.
All in all, students must understand basic concepts so that they can apply these rules to their own writings. Students seem to benefit most with constant peer revision. But, peer revision is not always available since the amount of time that is needed with each student will vary. Practice makes perfect and the more one does something, the better he/she will get. So it is understood that grammar is vitally important to students whether they are going to teach English or not. At some point in their education, correct grammar will be needed so why not take the time to teach the mechanics and usages of it?
Do you feel that grammar is an important part of our education? Do instructors teach grammar effectively?
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11 comments:
by Lara NP:
Grammar is indeed a very important aspect of our education. Grammar is something that is used everyday and every time, even when we at least expect it. Many teachers have their own way of teaching grammar. It very much depends on what they were taught in school as a child and the schooling that they have had. Without proper grammar it would be difficult to communicate. It would be hard to understand someone. The first thing you learn when learning a new language is the grammar aspect. It is probably the most vital aspect of any given language.
The idea that not teaching grammar skills is benefitial to the student is ludicris. As for letting the students make their own corrections; what good will that do if they don't understand in the first place? I just find this all to be a very silly method. Maybe I just don't understand what is meant by the article, but from what I interpret, it just makes the instructor sound lazy.
I feel that grammar is an important aspect of education. Many of the contents students learn in school is often not used in life beyond school. However, grammar is something that a student will continue to use throughout their life. The problem is that many teachers feel that grammar is a difficult subject to teach so they do not spend as much time on it as they should. Grammar is a subject that future teachers should study extensively. For a student to understand proper grammar the teacher must also understand.
Teaching grammar is a necessary step in the learning process. It is imperative that students learn at a young age how to speak and write correctly. I think that teachers should use any means available to teach their students effectively. Peer reviews seem to be a practical way to teach students the basics of grammar.
Some teachers are not aware they their teaching methods may be ineffective. I think worskhops should be conducted at least once a year, especially for grammar/English teachers. These would include activities for students to do that would improve their grammatical skills and new teaching plans for a more productive classroom.
I think that teaching grammar is one of the most important areas of education. Knowing proper grammar is essential in any job or situation. Even engineers need well-written instructions!
Grammar is extremly important! One cannot get very far in school if he or she does not understand grammar. I do not think that gramamr is stressed enough in school, I believe it is touched on throughout different grade levels, but need's to be a little more in depth, and continue throughout one's whole learning process.
I feel that grammar is a very important part of education. With out grammar we might as well still be writing on cave walls. It gives structure to our language making it understandable, so that the correct message is received. Grammar can be taught many ways, and it is not like math where there is only on correct way to solve the problem.
I think that grammar is very important to our education. We use grammar in every class every day.I think too often teachers do not teach grammar in an interesting way, which causes the students to not pay attention. I think that everyone's grammar would be greatly improved if new and interesting ways to learn it were developed. Grammar is tricky because we do usually go by what we think sounds correct. I think it would be beneficial if teachers spent more time discussing the common mistakes that are made based on what sounds right.
Grammar is a necessity to education. Later on in life people are going to be expected to communicate clearly and effectively. If people do not have grammar skills and do not go by a set of rules then people might as well speak different languages. The use of the words its and it's is a good example. Its is a possessive form of it and it's means it is. These two not being used correctly is a common mistake and sometimes can change the meaning of a sentence, not to mention some people may think this makes people look uneducated. People need grammar instruction.
Grammar is a necessity to education. Later on in life people are going to be expected to communicate clearly and effectively. If people do not have grammar skills and do not go by a set of rules then people might as well speak different languages. The use of the words its and it's is a good example. Its is a possessive form of it and it's means it is. These two not being used correctly is a common mistake and sometimes can change the meaning of a sentence, not to mention some people may think this makes people look uneducated. People need grammar instruction.
Grammar is a necessity to education. Later on in life people are going to be expected to communicate clearly and effectively. If people do not have grammar skills and do not go by a set of rules then people might as well speak different languages. The use of the words its and it's is a good example. Its is a possessive form of it and it's means it is. These two not being used correctly is a common mistake and sometimes can change the meaning of a sentence, not to mention some people may think this makes people look uneducated. People need grammar instruction.
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