The Issue:Student do not like grammar.
Tell a class that they're going to have a grammar lesson, and you'll have thirty hands in the air, all asking if they can go to the bathroom. Traditionally, grammar is taught passively through worksheets, and assignments marked up with red ink by teachers. By striking down our students' writing, we are not encouraging to explore and engage with words. Students are told what they are doing wrong, but are they being told how to fix it, and how to make lasting change? But most importantly, are we inviting them to write, or are we discouraging a creative outlet? Grammar is the backbone of writing and communication. Derived from the latin “grammarian”, it actually means magic– therefore, grammar is magic. But our students don't see it that way.
Outside of educational institutions, grammar can also be a source or ridicule or embarrassment. The difference between texting “Let’s eat, grandma” versus “Let’s eat grandma” carries a different meaning, especially for grandma. Also, the dreaded “your” and “you’re” in a company email may hinder your credibly as an expert in your field. But how do you go about learning to fix these issues if you don’t have someone to guide you through the process? And how do you make learning these grammatical skills worth while and lasting? |