Italia Garca Enrquez

Task: Grammar Learning

1. Define the different approaches of teaching grammar that have existed and identify the main characteristics of each of them. Draw a graphic of your preference.

Approaches of teaching grammar

Traditional Grammar Instruction

Structural Grammar /Descriptive Linguistics

Functional Approaches

Universal Grammar

-Parts of the speech are the same regardless the approach used to teach -Sometimes, teachers /students use translation when teaching. -It is founded on a prescriptive theory of grammar construction and grammar learning.

-Created to offer an option to analyze the sound system of language. -It offers another framework for the description of language through three systems, phonology, morphology, and syntax. Cognitive Approach

-Particular situations to fulfill the communicative needs of learners. -Grammatical sequences were graded from easy to difficult. -Grammatical structures and functions are closely related.

-The assumption that language is a habit -Language as a generative process that is innate. -Language is based on syntax

Communicative Approach

Mixed common second language -Humanistic approaches such as the Silent Way, Suggestopedia, Community Language Learning, and Total Physical Response emerged. -Humanistic approaches aim to provide learners plenty of meaningful language input. -The importance of language competence in communication and that it cannot be achieved only through exposure to language -Grammar is too complex therefore it must require to be instructed. -Learners need to go through a mental process. -Cognitive approaches aim for learners to develop analytical linguistics skills.

The Noticing and Consciousness Raising Approach Focus on Form.

-It combines the formal/explicit instruction and the communicative approach for language teaching. -It explicitly teaches both, the grammatical forms of language and the meaning-focus use of language form. -The aim is for the learners to notice both forms and form and process the grammatical structure in communicative meaningful input

1. The term forms refers to teaching linguistic elements of language. 2. Form refers to the focus of meaning while teaching. *

Interaction
-The lack of grammar instruction in the communicative approach for language teaching, which may result in error fossilization, distortion of language and low level of accuracy. -Formal instruction concentrates on teaching grammatical forms and does not lead learners to develop communicative competence. -Consciousness implies see, notice, have a structure present even if one isnt able to use it yet. -Awareness results from both instruction of forms and meaningful input of language form. -Learners need to produce comprehensible output in order to achieve effective communication. -The output learners produce should observe the L2 grammatical rules. -Interaction is essential for intermediate and advanced learners to use so as to develop linguistic and sociolinguistic skills

Discourse-based approaches

-Grammar can be taught through the use of different types of texts (genres). -Discourse analysis provides an authentic context for learning and using grammar.

Italia Garca Enrquez

2. Read the excerpt taken from Hinkel and Fotos (2002: 10) The Case for Grammar Teaching. In it they explain how ELT can obtain benefits from knowing about the theories/approaches* of grammar learning.
*According to the definition given by (Anthony 1963: 63-67, cited in Rodgers & Richards 2001:19) An approach is a set of correlative assumptions dealing with the nature of language teaching and learning. An approach is axiomatic. It describes the nature of the subject matter to be taught

Based on the definition above... an approach is a set of learning and teaching principles that are based on assumptions and beliefs which belong or are connected to theories of language learning and the nature of language, because of that an approach is axiomatic.

3. 4.

Fill in the chart (or draw a graphic of your preference) with the benefits of knowing about these theories for your teaching practice. Remember to use your own words. Explain and give examples of how you can use achieve the benefits of knowing about the approaches of grammar learning and teaching in your language classroom. BENEFIT To cover my students needs If Ive already identified the needs of my students, It is going to be easier to know what approach is going to be helpful to the class. For example if my students need to How can this benefit be achieved in your language classroom?

focus on pronunciation and sounds of the language, so I could use the Structural Grammar /Descriptive Linguistics approach, or I want that they learn to speak
one another to be talkative, I could use the interaction approach. The correct and good use of time The waste of time can be avoided, through knowing what I want that my students learn and achieve in the classroom, I can pick the best approaches that fill on the needs and apply them. Increase the knowledge As a teacher to know the approaches gives you a better full understanding about the different ways that exist to teach the language, and it gives us the chance to open

Italia Garca Enrquez

the mind to all the possibilities to the teaching.