Teaching the Aspects of Language

Prepared by: Chafik Jellas

Grammar
Grammar is the set of language rules we follow in both our
spoken and written communication when constructing
sentences. Teaching grammar will help students to understand
the nature of language.
❖ How to teach Grammar ?
There are two principal ways to teach grammar: deductively and
inductively. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so a
combination of the two is the most effective method.
The inductive method of teaching grammar involves the learners
being given a general rule, which is then applied to specific
language examples and honed through practice exercises. The
deductive method of teaching grammar involves the learners
detecting, or noticing, patterns and working out a ‘rule’ for
themselves before they practice the language.
In other words, the former is more teacher-centered and the
latter more learner-centered. Both approaches have their
advantages and disadvantages. The deductive approach is
undoubtedly time-saving and allows more time for practicing
the language items thus making it an effective approach with
lower-level students. The inductive approach, on the other hand,
is often more beneficial to students who already have a base in
the language as it encourages them to work things out for
themselves based on their existing knowledge.
A deductive approach often fits into a
lesson structure known as PPP
(Presentation, Practice, Production). The
teacher presents the target language and
then gives students the opportunity to
practice it through very controlled activities.
The final stage of the lesson gives the
students the opportunity to practice the
target language in freer activities which
bring in other language elements. In a 60-
minute lesson, each stage would last
approximately 20 minutes.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary means all the words that exist in
a particular language
❖ How to teach Vocabulary ?
The common way to introduce students to
new words and concepts is using The PPP
technique in teaching, this is a three-step
lesson plan and teaching approach that
helps the student learn, understand and
practice new vocabulary.
Prepared by: Chafik Jellas
Firstly, the teacher presents the new vocabulary using pictures,
videos, guided questions, or paragraphs and explains the form
of the language in a meaningful context.
Next, the teacher allows the students to practice the new word
through controlled activities such as worksheets or question and
answer activities, making sure the student has understood the
vocabulary and usage properly.
Lastly comes the production stage, where there is a period of less-
controlled practice and an informal assessment of learning. This
is where the students get a chance to use the new word or phrase
in an original way and to relate it to their knowledge and
experiences. This can be through communicative activities such
as role-plays, communication games, or question and answer
sessions. A language function is a reason why we communicate.
Every time we speak or write, we wish to achieve a purpose or a
function.
Function
A language function is a reason why we communicate. Every time
we speak or write, we wish to achieve a purpose or a function.
❖ How to teach Function ?
The first stage of teaching language functions is the Presentation
stage in which the teacher presents language functions either in
a dialogue form or creating a context. The teacher has a
discussion with the students regarding possible
exponents for language function to be
taught. This is a pre-communicative activity
so the teacher has to create the context and
provide a description of where to use such
language function or in which situation.
The second stage is the Practice stage. At this
stage, students are given the opportunity to
practice the language function presented.
For this purpose, they may be involved in
pairs to conduct mini–dialogues. They
practice the language function by means of
mechanical, manipulative, or
communicative drills. In this stage, they
mainly memorize as well as learn how to use
different exponents and realize their
meaning.
The last stage of teaching a language
function is the Production stage which
focuses on using the new language function,
in free or real-life situations. In this stage,
students can be asked to work in pairs or a
small group to share their ideas. Some of the
activities of this stage are; mini- exchange,
role plays, oral games, guessing games,
interviews, etc.
Prepared by: Chafik Jellas