Rule of

Appropriacy
MC- ELT - 6
 Rule of Appropriacy
- Interpret all the above rules according to the level, needs,
interests, expectations and learning styles of the students.
- This rule, according to Thornbury, suggests that teachers should
be able to apply these rules of teaching grammar according to the
aforementioned differences. Whether you put premium to a
grammar-driven classroom or may not teach grammar at all, it is
your responsibility to identify what is best for your students.
 WHY?
• People are more different than they are alike. Teachers have to
respond to the diversity of learners.
• These individual differences in a language classroom can make for
success or failure in attaining the goal of acquiring the target
language,
• Regardless of how diverse the classroom is, students should be
given equal opportunity to learn and achieve their goals.
• Teachers need to evaluate what students really need and design
classroom activities suited to their needs.
• The teaching-learning process should be student-centered.
 WHAT?
• Teachers should design classroom activities not just according to
efficiency, but also appropriacy.
• Grammar practice and communicative tasks should suit to the
“context” of each learner.
• This rule prompts teachers to consider their students in the
context of being language learners –
1. WHAT DO THEY ALREADY KNOW?
2. WHAT DO THEY NEED TO KNOW IMMEDIATELY?
3. WHAT DO THEY NEED TO KNOW IN THE FUTURE?
 WHAT?
1. WHAT DO THEY ALREADY KNOW?
2. WHAT DO THEY NEED TO KNOW IMMEDIATELY?
3. WHAT DO THEY NEED TO KNOW IN THE FUTURE?

These questions can help teachers evaluate if what they are doing in the
classroom is somehow appropriate to their students.
• Teachers should consider the individual differences of students and
use this to plan an effective and productive teaching-learning process.
 HOW?
• Teachers may conduct needs assessment analysis or diagnostic
tests to gain necessary data on students’ proficiency level and
needs.
• Talk to your students and let them share their language learning
challenges and how they want to be supported.
• Determine your students’ learning styles, previous learning
experiences and present expectations.
• Take into consideration all other rules of teaching grammar.
• Start where your students are.
Thank You!