To Grammar or Not To Grammar by James Jones
Grammar is a scholastic topics that has been consistently pushed throughout many of our school careers. For many students since early elementary school we have been expected to learn sentence structure, grammatical errors, punctuation, tenses etc. For most this grammar has been something that we have easily adjusted to and gotten better with over time, however there is a large number of people who simply can’t grasp it. Teachers take pride in knowing grammar and many feel that they are going about the right way of teaching it, but the low number of those who can actually retain it proves differently. This article focuses on whether or not Grammar should be taught anymore. The question arises from the fact that many students are no longer learning grammar from the traditional way its always been taught, which consist of handbook or cd lessons, followed my rigorous drilling, ending with test. Many students are able to regurgitate what they have just learned via test and assignments; however the problem that plagues many is the student’s ability to remember and apply what they have learned to their own writing. The article which was written by three different authors Constance Weaver, Carol McNally, and Sharon Moerman, really puts emphasis on the way teachers are teaching grammar; “ It needs to be more practical” the authors claim. The authors feel that focusing to much on grammar correctness, functions, and labeling is more so convenient for the teachers but does not help the student in the long run. Author Carol McNally believe that students have less of a chance at succeeding in grammar when it is taught in isolation from writing.. “ Teaching traditional grammar in isolation is not a very practical act.
What we have found practical, though, is drawing upon literature for models of effective sentences and paragraphs, while in corporating only the most useful grammatical concepts into our teaching of writing. In teaching grammar to student the focus has been correctness when it should be effectiveness. How can you use grammar correctly if you have not effectively grasped the concept? Through extensive research the authors have concluded that the best way to have effective grammar is by teaching it rather than assigning it. A student who is to successfully learn grammar must be guided and taught concepts that will last far beyond the realms of an assignment. Guiding students through such a strenuous subject will call for more than what most teachers are willing to give. According to the authors the best way to reach students to “eliminate isolated study of grammar from the curriculum, replacing it with mini lessons and hands-on guidance in developing more effective sentences and paragraphs, followed by assistance in learning to edits through”. The best way for teachers to teach what they know about grammar is for them to learn more about grammar, stepping out of the comfort zone of teaching and experiment. The question is are teachers willing to take this extra mile? Many teachers aren’t willing to that, and that is why we have the question To Grammar or Not To Grammar?
I'm going into English Education, and through seeing models of good teaching I have become much more aware of bad teaching. A lot of teachers don't really teach, and one of my professors would call these people "dragnasty." In part we have to sympathize with the ELA teachers because they already have much more work than the teachers from other fields, but I do agree that more real teaching needs to be done. A mere presentation of facts, laws, rules, etc. does not constitute real teaching, and even more importantly, it doesn't provoke real learning. Learning removed application is not going to be retained for any considerable amount of time, nor is it going to have any practical benefit.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not think that schools should take out teaching grammar. Yeah, some people do not have great grammar but I believe it is from the lack of actually being taught correct grammar. I agree with the authors that teaching grammar rather than assigning it. Yeah, it may take more one-on-one from teacher to student but it would be worth it because the students are actually being taught correct grammar rather than being expected to know it already.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing this article it presents many issues that are current in today's society. I do not believe that grammar should be eliminated from the lesson, but I do believe that students need to be helped with his/her ability to use grammar. Through my personal experience I can relate to many of the arguments presented in this article. I feel that through my academic career I have remember grammatical concepts but understanding them has been a different story. In conclusion, I feel that article touches upon important issues that educators and everyday people should be well informed about.
ReplyDeleteIn no way shape or form should grammar be eliminated from English classes or school. It should not be removed because of the importance it has to the English language. Although, I will agree that learning and retaining the information with grammar rules is difficult, but it is helpful.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that grammar should be taken out of the curriculum. However, I do agree with finding a more effective way of teaching this concept. This article suggest replacing the "isolated study of grammar" with mini lessons and hands-on activities for the students. Students have been learning how to correct grammar mistakes, however, they are not learning grammar if they do not understand the concept they are learning. Finding a more effective way of teaching grammar would be more useful than eliminating grammar completely.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that grammar is taught but not retained makes a lot of sense because students are taught to get their message across despite having flaws in the writing. I feel as though the teachers have the right idea in teaching how grammar can help writing instead of just correcting bad grammar.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that teachers should take away grammar from students. I truly believe that it is greatly needed, just as any other subject is taught within the school systems. When you go to inner city schools with students that barely know how to read, one can really realize how important it is to teach students grammar throughout there educational career.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that teachers should take away grammar from the curriculum. I believe that grammar could be taught a lot better than it is currently being taught. I do agree that although I have been taught grammar many times, there are some things that I was unable to understand and never learned due to that. I feel that it is very important that grammar is taught, but just in a different way.
ReplyDeleteGrammar should never be eliminated from schools curriculum. It is true that most students do not remember what they have learned in grammar lessons; but it should not be taken away from them. Grammar is just as important as any other subject. Instead of eliminating grammar, I believe teachers should create more ways for students to retain the information taught in grammar lesson that way students will be able to remember.
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