Inductive vs. Deductive Grammar Teaching

Present

• Two ways to present a grammar concept:
• Inductive
• Deductive

Deductive Grammar Teaching

• General to specific
• Direct explanation of the rule or concept first
• Examples follow the explanation

Inductive Grammar Teaching

• Specific to general
• Instead of explaining the rule first, the instructor gives examples first
• Students analyze the examples and make generalizations about the concept

Inductive vs. Deductive

• What might be some of the advantages and disadvantages of a deductive explanation of a grammar concept?
• What might be some of the advantages and disadvantages of an inductive explanation of a grammar concept?

Deductive Grammar Teaching

• Teacher-centered
• May be better in some contexts
• Saves time
• An easier strategy for some teachers/learners
• Good for difficult concepts

• Passive learning
• Students are just “told” about the grammar concept
• Students may be missing an opportunity for them to become more autonomous

Advantages
Disadvantages

Inductive Grammar Teaching

• Learner-centered
• Learner is more active in the process
• Helps learner develop a deeper understanding of the concept
• Creates learner autonomy
• Instead of being told about it, the students help themselves learn it
• Improves analysis skills

• Can be time consuming
• May not be appropriate for grammar concepts with a lot of exceptions
• Incorrect inferences are possible
• May be frustrating for some learners not comfortable with the style

Advantages
Disadvantages

Mini-Lesson

• I will introduce a grammar lesson about simple past tense in two ways:
• Deductive
• Inductive
• Afterward, we will analyze each presentation (deductive and inductive)