Teaching Grammar Structures
by Anna Sawa
Before presenting new grammar material, a teacher should decide which structure or its part will be taught. It is also important to know which usage is necessary for the learners. Besides, it should be introduced with the use of well-known vocabulary, because the grammar rule must be the only difficulty. There are two methods to present new grammar material: deductive or inductive. They are completely different but both have some advantages and disadvantages.
Deductive Method
A grammar rule is given to the learners at the beginning, and then the structure is repeated by them. This is a very teacher-centered approach. It implies that the teacher conducts and explains the grammar structures and expects that students complete variety tasks to practise the language rules. In this method the teacher selects information that will be taught, so that it is more predictable and faster way of teaching.
Inductive Method
Conversely, inductive method is a much more student-centered approach. The teacher gives many examples how the grammar structure works and expects that students discover language rules. On the one hand teaching grammar via this method takes time, but on the other hand students tend to remember longer and understand more how the language works. This approach involves students in learning process and they tend to take part in noticing the grammar concept actively.
Some teaching grammar techniques connected with inductive approach are:
• searching a text to find a new grammar structure
• guessing usage and a grammar construction from the examples in the text
• making a grammar rule
• using a new grammar structure
A teacher has to decide which teaching method deductive or inductive is best for the students and teaching grammar concept. To make the decision it is necessary to take into consideration listed above differences between these two approaches and evaluate all pros and cons.