A Modern Approach to Teaching Grammar PDF

A MODERN APPROACH TO TEACHING GRAMMAR RYAN A. JANCINAL, LPT, PHD  BACKGROUND In traditional language teaching, grammar has often been treated as a set of abstract rules that learners are expected to memorize and apply mechanically. This method typically involves explicit gr...

A MODERN APPROACH TO TEACHING GRAMMAR RYAN A. JANCINAL, LPT, PHD  BACKGROUND In traditional language teaching, grammar has often been treated as a set of abstract rules that learners are expected to memorize and apply mechanically. This method typically involves explicit grammar instruction followed by drills and exercises, with a focus on grammatical forms rather than their use in communication. While effective in teaching basic structures, this approach often leads to rote learning and fails to prepare students for real-life communication (Thornbury, 2008).  BACKGROUND In contrast, the approach known as Grammaring promotes the idea that grammar should be learned dynamically and contextually. Coined by Thornbury (2008), the term Grammaring refers to the process of learning grammar as a tool for communication—not as a set of rules to be memorized. This approach emphasizes the active use of grammar in real communication and focuses on students engaging with language in meaningful contexts, allowing them to both notice and reflect on grammatical structures (Ellis, 2006).  GRAMMARING Grammaring refers to a more contextual and interactive approach to teaching grammar. Unlike traditional grammar instruction, which separates grammar rules from communication, Grammaring integrates grammar into meaningful language use. Thornbury (2008) suggests that grammar should not be a list of rules but rather something learners engage with actively as they communicate. GRAMMARING: KEY FEATURES Active Learning. Learners engage in language use (speaking and writing) to practice grammar, rather than memorizing rules (Thornbury, 2008). Focus on Meaning and Communication. Grammar is treated as a tool for effective communication. Grammar forms are learned and practiced in real communicative contexts (Ellis, 2006). Reflective Learning. Through tasks, learners reflect on their grammar use, noticing patterns and gaining insight into how grammar functions in different contexts (Hawkey, 2003). Error Correction and Feedback. Errors are seen as learning opportunities. Instead of being penalized immediately, learners are encouraged to self-correct through guided feedback (Ellis, 2006).  THE SHIFT FROM TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR TEACHING TO GRAMMARING THE CONCEPT OF GRAMMARING The Concept of Grammaring revolves around the idea that grammar should not be a fixed system of rules, but rather a dynamic, communicative tool. As learners engage in tasks, they are prompted to discover grammar rules through active communication and reflection on their own language use. Grammar, then, is not simply memorized but internalized through use (Thornbury, 2008). KEY PRINCIPLES OF GRAMMARING 1. Grammar as a Tool for Communication 2. Inductive Learning 3. Error Correction through Reflection 4. Task-Based Learning (TBL)  APPLYING GRAMMARING IN THE CLASSROOM Teachers who use the Grammaring approach are encouraged to move away from isolated grammar lessons. Instead, they create tasks that require learners to use grammar meaningfully and communicatively. These tasks provide learners with opportunities to notice grammatical forms and use them appropriately in context. HOW TO IMPLEMENT? Design Communicative Tasks Focus on Form during Tasks Error Reflection and Feedback  CONCLUSION The Grammaring approach to teaching grammar challenges traditional methods by focusing on grammar as a tool for meaningful communication. By emphasizing active learning, task-based activities, and error reflection, Grammaring helps learners engage with grammar in a more dynamic and contextualized way. As discussed by Thornbury (2008) and Ellis (2006), this approach encourages learners to use grammar creatively and reflectively, preparing them for real-world communication. Teachers who adopt Grammaring shift the focus from teaching grammar as a set of rules to teaching grammar as a living, communicative process that learners can use to express themselves more effectively in English. A MODERN APPROACH TO TEACHING GRAMMAR RYAN A. JANCINAL, LPT, PHD