Grammar and Grammaring Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary definition of grammar?

The study of vocabulary

The system and structure of a language (correct)

The ability to write without errors

The practice of speaking fluently

What does the term 'grammaring' refer to?

A type of error correction in writing

A method of teaching vocabulary

A skill involving the accurate use of grammar structures (correct)

An approach focused solely on grammar rules

Which category does NOT fall under the practical activities used in 'grammaring' according to Freeman?

Focus on meaning

Focus on form

Focus on context

Focus on pronunciation (correct)

What type of learning is emphasized when linking form with meaning?

Associative learning Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Focus on form' approach emphasize?

Teaching language about itself Signup and view all the answers

How can meaning be clarified in grammar teaching?

By employing realia and pictures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a learning outcome expected from the module?

Create new grammar rules Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of focusing on 'meaning' in grammar teaching?

It links grammar to real-life communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of providing feedback during error correction?

To help students become independent learners Signup and view all the answers

How is a 'mistake' defined in the context of error correction?

A misuse of rules that have already been studied Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should be taken when assigning work to students to facilitate self-checking?

Ensure the assignment consists only of familiar material Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested for improving the correction of mistakes?

Encouraging the use of colorful markers and special editing signs Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers do with assignments that have not been self-checked?

Refuse to grade them Signup and view all the answers

What should be included to assist students in checking their work?

A separate folder for each subject Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential strategy when discussing corrections with students?

Encourage reasoning over stating answers as right or wrong Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers do with mistakes that relate to material not yet covered?

Consider them as suggestions for future learning Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tokens from types in vocabulary assessment?

Tokens include repeated words, while types only count unique words. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a function word?

And Signup and view all the answers

What type of task involves filling in the gaps in a sentence?

Gap-filling tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lexical phrase includes fixed phrases for social interactions?

Institutionalized expressions Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of content words?

They convey significant meaning in sentences. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment task type focuses on a student's ability to interact in a realistic scenario?

Information Gap Tasks Signup and view all the answers

What are sentence builders primarily used for in language assessment?

To provide a structured framework for conveying ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment method involves asking students to select the correct answer among multiple options?

Selected response tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested approach for helping students with grammar mistakes?

Create a list of mistakes and offer additional exercises. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does communicative competence NOT include?

Technological skills Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has been identified as a potential reason for teachers' reluctance to innovate?

Historical reluctance due to cultural factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed action for enhancing teaching practices?

Developing a narrow definition of academic success Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of activities that are likely to be more successful in teaching?

They involve collaborative methods. Signup and view all the answers

What key component is essential in evaluating grammar knowledge?

Use of grammar in communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a way to assess learning journeys?

Only summative assessment at the end Signup and view all the answers

Which area should teachers focus less on according to improving teaching practices?

Narrow definitions of academic success Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Grammar Definition

Grammar is the overarching structure and system of how a language functions
It encompasses the study of words, how they combine and interact with each other to build larger units such as phrases and sentences.

Grammaring

"Grammaring" is a term coined by Diane Larsen-Freeman, representing the fifth essential skill alongside the traditional four (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
It centers around the ability to use grammatical structures with accuracy, meaning, and situationally appropriate usage.
"Grammaring" encompasses three main areas of focus:
- Focus on Form: Engaging with the rules and structures of the language itself.
- Focus on Meaning: Linking form with meaning, encouraging students to associate structures to their intended message.
- Focus on Use: Selecting the right forms for conveying the right meaning in suitable contexts.

Error Correction vs. Feedback

Traditional approaches often focus on correcting errors immediately.
A more student-centered approach emphasizes providing feedback that helps students reshape their understanding instead of simply identifying errors.
The aim is to guide students towards becoming independent learners who can self-check their work.

Key Principles of Error Correction

Clarify the distinction between "mistakes" and "errors": Mistakes are a misuse of rules that have already been taught and practiced. Errors are wrong uses of rules or vocabulary that haven't been covered in class.
Limit assignments to material thoroughly learned: Ensure students can self-check their work by only including familiar grammar and vocabulary.
Incorporate self-checking into assignments: Encourage students to review their work for errors before submission.
Provide clear checklists of common errors: This is particularly useful for beginner learners.
Use visual aids: Employ charts, tables, pictures, and lists to enhance understanding and error correction.
Encourage using colorful markers and editing symbols: Visual cues aid in self-correction.
Refuse to grade papers without self-checks: Emphasize the importance of self-assessment.
Organize reference materials for easy access: Create easily navigable student folders categorized by topics (Grammar, Reading, Writing) with a table of contents.
Provide suggestions instead of highlighting "mistakes" for unlearned material: Foster a positive learning environment and guide exploration.
Encourage reasoning over right/wrong answers: Promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of grammar concepts.
Highlight mistakes, provide suggestions, and create lists of recurring errors: This fosters targeted practice and improvement.

Spoken vs. Written Grammar

Spoken and written language have their own distinct grammar rules and conventions.
The "grammaring" concept encourages considering context and purpose while applying grammatical knowledge.

Pedagogical Issues Regarding Grammar Teaching

Teachers' roles need to evolve: A shift towards facilitating student-centered learning is required.
Some activities work better than others (e.g., Sketchy): Understanding the factors contributing to successful activities is crucial.
Teacher reluctance to adapt (e.g., due to past technological challenges, cultural norms): Breaking down barriers to innovation is important.
Sharing best practices among teachers: Collaboration and knowledge exchange are key to improvement.
Mobile learning (m-learning) activities engage learners: Exploiting the potential of technology for enhanced learning is important.

Key unanswered questions about grammar learning:

How can we help teachers design learning plans that are effective and impactful?
What makes certain learning activities more successful than others, and what common characteristics contribute to their effectiveness?
How can we assess and document learning journeys effectively?
Which theories of learning (cognitive, social, etc.) are most relevant to grammar learning?
How can we ensure that our teaching practices are adaptable and future-proof?

What needs to be done:

Conduct thorough research to identify benefits and challenges of new learning approaches.
Create spaces for teachers to communicate, collaborate, and reflect on their practice.
Listen actively to student feedback and incorporate their insights.
Broaden the concept of academic success to encompass a wider range of skills and abilities.
Integrate m-learning technologies into university teaching.
Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and lecturers to embrace new approaches.

Assessing Grammar and Vocabulary

Assessing grammar is central to evaluating language skills and test performance.
Effective assessment considers the correct use of grammar in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Communicative competence includes four components:
- Grammatical: The knowledge of words and rules.
- Sociolinguistic: Using language appropriately in different social contexts.
- Discourse: Creating coherent and cohesive communication.
- Strategic: Using communicative strategies effectively.

Designing Assessment Tasks

Selected Response:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Discrimination tasks (e.g., underlining or circling the correct answer)
Limited Production:
- Gap-filling tasks
- Short answer questions
- Dialogue completion tasks
Extended Production:
- Assessing syntactic knowledge using a five-point scale (Bachman & Palmer, 1996)
- Information gap tasks
- Role-play or simulation tasks

Assessing Vocabulary

Distinguish between tokens and types: Tokens are all the words in a text, while types count only unique words, ignoring repetitions.
Recognize the difference between function words and content words: Function words (prepositions, articles, conjunctions) are more grammatical, while content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) carry meaning.
Consider various vocabulary tests: Some focus on specific types of vocabulary like phrasal verbs, compound words, or idioms.
Understand types of lexical phrases:
- Poly words: Short fixed phrases with specific functions (e.g., qualifying, marking fluency).
- Institutionalized expressions: Longer fixed phrases (e.g., proverbs, social formulas).
- Phrasal constraints: Medium-length phrases with structure and slots for word/phrase insertion.
- Sentence builders: Phrases providing frameworks for complete sentences with slots for detailed ideas.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of grammar, including its structural role in language and the innovative approach of 'grammaring' as defined by Diane Larsen-Freeman. This quiz will cover the distinctions between error correction and feedback in language learning. Test your understanding of grammar's role in effective communication.