TEACHING GRAMMAR IN A DIFFERENT WAY

TEACHING GRAMMAR IN A DIFFERENT WAY:

From rules to reasons and other little tweaks

In this workshop I will draw on research and the experiences of teachers to discuss some limitations with the way that grammar focused lessons are often structured in ELT materials and course-books. I will demonstrate how these materials can lack challenge, provide students with a limited understanding of how to use the grammar and why they reduce opportunities for genuine communication.

To do this, we will look at the limitations of three standard activities. These are

• closed comprehension questions that focus on content;
• rule discovery activities;
• controlled practice exercises.

After we discuss these issues, the workshop participants will try out some creative alternatives that are designed to generate increased learner engagement, a deeper understanding of grammar items and greater opportunities for communication and emerging language. We will finish by exploring why focusing on reasons rather than rules can help our learners both with their language knowledge but also their output.