Teacher Discussion Forums

'am finding the need more'n more to slow down on teaching certain grammar elements in the early teaching stages as students find difficulty absorbing viz. Subject and Object pronouns, Possessive adjectives and such like as presented in New Headway Elementary course books that I use as a guideline.

It's clear that students become irritated with the learning of grammar (what's new ?!) It's my belief that the basic nouns, verbs, adjectives, present simple etc be taught yes, but hey let's go slow on teaching some of the "heavier" grammar stuff until somewhat further down-the-line.

If one goes easy in this regard I find that more attention and focus is achieved.

Comments from the floor please . . . ???

Theo

I don't understand what you consider "heavier" grammar, and how you teach it. If you are teaching "my, your, his, her" etc, you can have students ask questions: Is this my/your/his/her hat? etc. or add "No, it's mine/his/yours, etc. In other words, if you teach the grammar by using it, it's a lot easier to learn. In my classes, I don't necessarily follow that advice because I have a lot of older students who happen to like learning grammar. Depends on the class, for sure.

Dear Lorikeet,

'and yes, you're quite right and reckon that I should practice even more USING grammar ! I find nevertheless that certain teaching manuals come in far too soon with certain grammar is a bit advanced and could rather be taught further down-the-line when SS are better equipped to absorb.

A separate comment .... while using teaching manuals as a guideline, 'am finding that I move verrrry slowly through the modules/units as I do more off my own bat - is this the norm out there ? I'm okay with this and simply thought that I should raise this while I "have you on the line".

Have a good day in San Fran.
Theo

I think it all depends on your class and your situation. If you are supposed to complete a certain book in a set amount of time, then adding a lot of your own material may give you a problem. On the other hand, if you are allowed to choose your own material, or if you are not required to complete a certain module in a certain period of time, then by all means you can supplement with whatever you want. I am lucky I teach in a situation where we can select our own material. I don't think I've used a book in about ten years now. We have a curriculum that we are supposed to follow, but within those parameters, we can do pretty much whatever we want.

'so good receiving your comments ref your not using books.

I've been teaching 50plussers privately for nigh on two years now in Holland and, as such have carte blanche on my teaching methods.
Being a "newie", I chose to use New Headway Elementary books as a guideline. I have two groups - (A) are true beginners while (B) are more advanced. (B) are still okay elementary "material" but also need other stimulus. Thus I do even more of "my stuff" for the advanced lot.

'and homework is also always welcomed by both groups, by-the-way.

Thanks again Lorikeet.

Theo

'perhaps you should be more concerned with punctuation?

'don't you think?

'peace

hmmm. more punctuation you say .....

This has not been addressed in detail nor too has been an evident problem area but, yes indeed perhaps a consideration and will look at - thanks.

Peace 2 u 2

I think more and more teachers as understanding the desires and needs of Grammar is to actually speak on class and in social situations.






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http://www.CompellingConversations.com
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Thank you too for your input and yes, conversation, conversation and more conversation at every given opportunity !!!

Have a geat weekend Charlot. . . .

Theo