Job Discussion Forums

[Nmarie]

I'm currently teaching at a university and need a bit of advice. I've never taught English grammar in a language other than...English. Has anyone had to teach English grammar from a French grammar book (All explanations being given in French)? If so, how have you handled this? I'd rather give my own explanations (with examples) in English and have them read the French text if they choose. Would this be a proper approach? I speak French but have been told not to use it in the classroom, rightfully so.

[Pollux]

You should by no means speak in English in your classes. Talk about English, in French, but do not use English, for God's sake. University students should utter no English sentence till it is perfect in form, intonation, and sense.

Grammar rules.

I hope I've been helpful.

[linguaphile]

I think what Pollux means to say is use English. As you probably know, it is advisable to use only English with your EFL/ESL students, unless your school said otherwise, which you said they don't. Especially if your students know some English, which they probably do as University students. Some people say don't even use their first language when you see them outside of class, because then they will be tempted to use their first language in class. Just cause your text book explains the grammar in French, what the heck, explain the grammar in English anyway. When presenting grammar, the examples are more important anyway; you can teach grammar solely by examples, which is what some people do with beginners.

[Nmarie]

I needn't have worried...Explaining the grammar in English with examples has worked out fine. Of greater concern are the enormous class sizes and discipline issues, particularly with first-year students!