Description: Qualified TEFL tutor, Gemma, shares her thoughts and tips on how to best help students understand the importance of Form, Meaning and Use in English Grammar.
Getting Students Involved
I have been teaching English as a foreign language for a number of years. I believe it is very important that the student contributes to the lesson. This way a students can learn more as they involve themselves as much as possible. It’s crucial to elicit as much as possible to engage, review, give confidence and check their knowledge.
I can also assess their form and understanding of the grammar we are learning. I like to use a range of devices including flashcards, realia (objects), sounds and anything else relevant to the language point.
Timelines
When teaching the meaning of grammar, what period of time represents is crucial. I like to use timelines, calendars, diaries, newspapers or other applicable items. Once the learner has established the meaning of the grammar I then ensure they connect it to the form.
There are many irregularities in English grammar. Setting out a clear guide on how to conjugate verbs, understand spelling rules and how to pronounce new forms, is extremely important. I ensure I take my learners through this step by step, matching their pace.
Techniques
I use techniques such as group, pair and individual drilling, reinforcing that repetition aids in the familiarity and sticking of the new information. I like to use different methods to decide how many times the target language should repeat itself.
Therefore, I invite the students to roll a dice or create a puzzle on the whiteboard.
I also like to make interactive quizzes to check their understanding. I have found children and adults both enjoy using platforms like Kahoot or Bitpaper.
Make it Relate
Where and how to use the grammar are essential for the learner to connect the meaning and the use. I contextualise the target language from the beginning so the idea is clear and provides a better setting for student practice.
For example, if we have been learning about the past simple in the context of describing a holiday, a lovely way to practise is writing a postcard or an email to a friend or family.
I would start with a model email where the students might have to organise the paragraphs, complete the missing words, correct spellings, before writing their own experiences.
This stages the learner’s practice of the form, meaning and use through example, identification, personalisation and production of the target language.
By tutor Gemma. Contact Us