Not your Grandmother's Grammar

Grammar and English Language Acquisition 

Grammar is a topic which most students of English (Native Speakers or second language learners) dread and long to avoid. Traditional approaches toward learning English Grammar continually plague not only students, but some would be teachers who feel that they must be experts in English Grammar in order to teach and convey the basics of English successfully. This is an unfortunate misconception. More and more, educators and linguistic experts are beginning to recognize that the acquisition of whole language often more successful when students are not overburdened by grammatical structure and rather instead focus on conversational English, which focuses on the skills of listening and speaking (and to a lesser extent reading comprehension.)

“The ideal that native speakers are more knowledgeable in terms of their ability to understand English Grammar is a farce,” says PhD Dr. Stephen Gardner. “As a baby, all Native English speakers learned how to speak by listening to others and then mimicking their sounds and patterns. The preconception that conversational language teachers must know every possible grammatical term and rule is erroneous, that is why text books and writer’s guides are available as go to references. Potentially effective and gifted teachers should not shy away from pursuing a career as English language teachers because of this.”

Dr. Stephen professes the importance of a “Practical Approach.” This is not to say that grammar is not at all important, or must not be taught. Rather it is important to remember the goals and objectives of each of your students. “Unless they are planning on going on to be English Majors, chances are they we not need to remember all the rules of proper syntax and structure, though in some cases it may provide an advantage.” Course syllables topics for the TEFL course is as follows:

Effective Resume Writing and Interviewing

Culture, Travel and Living Advice

Visa, Work Permit and Licensing Information

Lesson Planning

Teaching Material Development

Theories of Language Learning

Teaching Pronunciation

Teaching Listening

Teaching Reading

Teaching Writing

Teaching Grammar

Classroom Management

3 Weeks of Observed Teaching Practice

 

Dr. Gardner sights the most necessary attributes for teachers as an ability to engage students, patience with learners and a desire to make learning fun.  If this sounds like the kind of class that would enable you to become a certified and accredited TEFL/TESOL Teacher, please contact paradise TEFL for further information, questions and requirements today.

As part of TEFL Chiang Mai's goal to increase cultural and religious sensitivity among our participants, we also offer a TEFL Buddhist Exchange program where future TEFL teachers have the opportunity not only to become certified instructors but to participate as student's of the Buddhist philosophy and tradition with daily monk chats and dharma talks to better understand the religious beliefs which permeates our student's lives through out many parts of South East Asia. For more information and registration for this, or any of the "Paradise TEFL" franchise programs, please don't hesitate to contact us today!