Teach English in Shiqiu Zhen - Nanjing Shi

WHY TEACHING GRAMMAR IS IMPORTANT Grammar is one of the most important aspects to consider when learning or teaching English. It makes sure the rules and structural usage of the language are applied when speaking, reading, writing and listening. If correct grammar is used in any document or conversation the English is understandable and pleasant to read or listen to. If grammar is taught and learned correctly, it gives the speaker and writer of English pride in their ability to communicate effectively. Vocabulary is good to know, however, should a person utter a huge amount of English words in a disorganized way, it is almost impossible to understand what they are trying to say; therefore Grammar is of utmost importance to the correct learning and teaching of English. Grammar is certainly not easy to learn or teach, however a good teacher should be extremely understanding of the difficulties students may face when learning it. Grammar takes up a huge part of the study of English and should be approached with determination by the teacher to teach it in the most understandable way. There are many lessons a teacher would have to cover to complete the grammar syllabus. The use of parts of speech, the nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and many others all contribute to the correct usage of English. As an example, I will use a teacher, teaching students about prepositions – on,upon,towards etc., a teacher may state to the students that the “Prepositions,are:-on,upon,towards etc.”,not taking into account that students need to understand what the term “Preposition” which the teacher is using to teach means. If students are told the meaning of the term preposition, it would make it easier for them to understand what the word refers to. In some cases it may even be necessary to demonstrate the meaning of the word being used to teach, with reference to the actual language point being taught (native speakers may not have problems of this nature but it is best to make sure students understand). Discernment, dedication and patience are certainly required if a teacher is to succeed in teaching grammar effectively. Nouns, pronouns, adjectives etc. help students get exposure to new words and words they may not know which add to their existing vocabulary. With this new vocabulary the teacher can now explain where and how the words are used in sentences thus, improving the most important aspect of their learning of English – Grammar. Past, Present and Future tenses are also a challenge for teachers and students, however with good lesson planning and use of the appropriate teaching style a teacher will be able to instill the correct use of the tenses. Teachers also need to teach subjects such as the definite and indefinite articles, the use of the words, “the”, “a” and “an” which can also be a challenge. However, when teachers explain what the words they are teaching do in sentences, they are able to get students to understand more clearly. Problems with grammar can be rectified in the classroom as students are bound to make mistakes in the activate stage of the lesson and will have an opportunity to correct themselves or each other. Failing which, the teacher can correct, recognize the problems the students are facing and create more lessons focusing and dealing with problems being faced by students of grammar. If a teacher has been teaching grammar effectively, students who have been learning it for a reasonable amount of time will be able to identify, for themselves, whether or not a sentence makes sense. A lot has to be covered in grammar lessons. There is also the issue of Conditionals, the “if” and “when” conditional sentences. It is useful to do a lot of practice using these sentences, what they are used for e.g. when making agreements and in everyday negotiations either with friends or authorities. Modals Auxiliary verbs may present challenges to students and a very useful way of explaining them to students, “I thought”, would be as the “ mood” of the sentence, i.e. a could mood, would mood, can mood etc. There are many ways to address problems in grammar classes and a teacher needs to be creative and use demonstrations. Grammar is an involving, interesting subject which should be taught slowly allowing students to digest what they are learning. I cannot stress enough the importance of teaching grammar. It makes the speaking of, listening to, writing of and reading of English either Captivating or Dis-interesting. Students learning grammar need to pay particular attention when learning grammar because grammar is necessary for success in business or education. Teachers of grammar have a huge task because it is, a difficult task to teach grammar, and they should be applauded for the work they do. I strongly feel that it is of absolute importance to have a firm understanding of the grammar in any language one may be learning, or a “superficial knowledge of the language” is acquired, and one does not have a solid foundation and therefore does not derive much benefit from, or have confidence in their ability to use the language. If English is to remain the beautiful language, that it is, teaching grammar is without a doubt absolutely necessary.