Inductive vs. Deductive Grammar Teaching

Inductive vs. Deductive Grammar Teaching

by Josh Gaston

Review

• Last week we discussed:
• What grammar is
• Different opinions about teaching grammar
• If there is “correct” grammar

Plan Today

• We will discuss the basic structure of a grammar lesson
• We will discuss the differences between inductive and deductive grammar teaching
• I will demonstrate the differences between the two in a mini-lesson
• We will analyze and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach

Teaching Grammar

• Teaching grammar can be difficult!
• Teachers need to create a “bridge” for the students from introduction to production
• Requires grammar knowledge, good lesson sequencing skills, and other elements
• In communicative language teaching, the goal is for learners to produce the language

Why is it difficult?

• Understanding the structure
• Written vs. spoken forms
• Nuances of meaning
• What will be difficult for the learners?
• Presenting effective examples and creating explanations
• Complexity of explanation
• Accuracy vs. simplicity

What else is difficult?

• Besides all of that, we NEED to KNOW:
• Our learners’ needs
• Our learners’ abilities

Teaching Grammar

• Teachers should:
• Introduce the grammar concept
• Students will become aware of the concept
• Provide opportunities for practice
• Students will become familiar with the use of the grammar concept
• Provide opportunities for production
• Students will “master” the grammar concept

PPP = Present, Practice, Produce

• Common grammar lesson sequence
• Present = explain a grammar concept and give examples
• Practice = a “controlled” activity in which students become comfortable with the grammar concept
• Produce = a “guided” or “structured” activity where students use the grammar concept more freely