Grammar-based Approaches

Question 1

Grammar-based Approaches
background

Answer 1

contermporary grammar-based approach presenting and using grammar points as a guiding force, enlarge on the grammar point to make the syllabus or lesson more communicative and authentic.
A grammar-based approach to language learning focuses on teaching and using grammatical structures to guide the syllabus or lesson. It emphasizes understanding and applying grammar rules to guide learning.
Historical grammar-based approaches is the grammar-translation method in which students are presented a text and are asked to translate the text word for word. While translating, students’ attention is brought to the appropriate grammar points to be taught.
contermporary grammar-based approaches aim to make lessons more communicative and authentic, using grammar as a tool rather than the sole focus.

Question 2

Grammar-based approaches
Strategy

Answer 2

1. The teacher presents the grammatical structure or rule.
2. Students practice of the structure.
3. Students use the structure in a holistic, authentic manner (in contemporary grammar-based approaches).

Question 3

Grammar-based approaches
Strengths

Answer 3

• Students who are analytical learners may need to know the grammar to make sense of a language.
• Students who have learned other languages through grammar-based approaches may find it easier to learn through this approach.
• Students, especially older ones, may need to know some grammar to reproduce the language correctly.

Question 4

Grammar-based approaches
Weaknesses

Answer 4

• If grammar is not taught as part of a whole, students might know the grammar rules but not how to use the language. It is important to explain to students that grammar is a tool to help learn a language, not the final goal.
• Students may focus so much on grammar that they don’t learn the other aspects of language.
• Students who are more holistic learners may find grammar lessons boring or even confusing.