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Teaching GrammarAs an aspiring english Teacher, I always believe that one, though not perfect, should be a master of his/her own field. One particular challenging topic that I have observed in teaching the english language is Grammar specifically its rules and, most of the time, complex structures. This topic has always been perceived as a topic that is difficult to teach especially when you are teaching it in a foreign country where english is not the native language of the learners; thus, a grammar teacher should always be careful in choosing the most appropriate approach in teaching grammar. Also, integration of such approach in teaching grammar should be thoroughly planned and the language level of learners is one major consideration that teachers should take note of. One common problem that I have observed is that teachers, sometimes, tend to be carried away in their lecture and learner are not given much of the opportunity to apply what they have learned about grammar rules and structures. Taking into consideration that grammar is an essential part of language, giving emphasis to it is much necessary for teachers. First of all, grammar teachers should bear in their minds the main purpose of teaching grammar to learners. Teachers are not just required to teach grammar for the sake of teaching it but rather, its purpose is to teach grammar in ways that your students will ?become grammatical.? Basically, grammar is not just about the mastery of the learners but it is more on how you teach and how they acquire certain information that they need with regards to grammar. Besides, the learners? understanding would also reflect as to how the teacher taught grammar itself. Second, teachers should always remember that the teaching of grammar is a two-way process wherein the teacher gives input and then after which students will discover the process in grammar as they apply it through some drills and exercises that would evaluate as to which extent they have digested the lesson about grammar rules and structures. In that way, the teacher will really be able to assess whether the learners really understood grammar and whether they are now capable of constructing not just meaningful but grammatical sentences. It needs an application in the learners? part but there are also some factors that should be considered when you try to assess their understanding. Instead of teachers giving topics that they should work on, teachers could modify that strategy through focusing on the listening skills of the learners. Meaning, it is also a great help to incorporate oral reading of a particular text and let the learners think and process the meaning of that text. Lastly, it?s definitely not just about simply imparting the basic information but it?s more on how you were able to impart it as a grammar teacher. The traditional way of teaching grammar should be retained since teachers need to employ lecture/discussions; however, always have the learners know and be aware of how it should be used through giving them activities that would evaluate their understanding of the concepts of grammar. The activities that should be given to them are the ones that are according to their level of understanding and most importantly, give them activities that focus more on their practice of their communication skills since most of the learners in other foreign countries would basically want to be able to speak the language.
