domingo, 16 de mayo de 2010

My appreciation about my own class

Some points:
DEDUCTIVE/INDUCTIVE
I know that grammar should to be taught through inductive approach in order to increase students’ interest to rapprochement to the target language. However, in my case, and according to my Ss needs, I made use of the deductive approach (rule driven) which “starts with the presentation of the rule and is followed by examples in which the rule is applied” (Thornbury, 2005:29). This approach has had very good results on them due to “it has allowed them more time for practice and application” (Thornbury, 2005:30).
I consider as a good point what Thornbury (2005:30) has established when he says that “starting the lesson with a grammar presentation may be off-putting for some students, especially [if they are] younger ones”, as I generally work with. “They may not have enough metalanguage (i.e. language used to talk about language such as grammar terminology). Or they may not be able to understand the concepts involved” (Thornbury, 2005:30).
Therefore, I could not agree more with Penny Ur (cited by Thornbury, 2005:14) when declares “There is no doubt that a knowledge –implicit or explicit – of grammatical rules is essential for the mastery of the language”

SOURCE: Thornbury, S., (2005) “How to Teach Grammar” Longman

3 comentarios:

  1. Este comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.

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  2. I think you are talking about an important issue to consider when planning our lessons, and it is the TIME FACTOR. However, it is also true that we can know lots of language rules, but that doesn't make us good speakers of that language. I consider that whenever possible, it is better to avoid the topic of grammar and rather teach it while doing other skills work. It also happens to us, at least to me, sometimes I can't explain a rule, but I can use it.

    Congratulations, your blog is very detailed.

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  3. HI GIRLS!
    Indeed! Grammar should be taught inductively- the thing is that ss are likely to work more; they get engaged with the topic, I mean their committment with the lesson is greater. Moreover, authors suggest that ss must have the chance to modify rules using their own words. Another advantage of this method is that when they acquire rules for themselves, they hardly ever forget them!

    However, I strongly support your decision considering that we have to change syllabuses or techniques in order to carry out suitable activites for specific students.

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