How to Teach Grammar - Teacher Trainer reacts to a Grammar Lesson

Understanding the challenge in teaching tenses lies not in identifying them, but in making appropriate choices relevant to students' lives. For instance, a student studying welding may find it unnecessary to learn about the term 'welding' without context. The focus shifts towards practical application of grammar concepts like present perfect continuous tense (have been + ing), illustrated through relatable examples such as reading a book over several days.

Understanding the concept of 'recent' is crucial for effective communication in lessons. It refers to events that are close to the present, not distant past occurrences. Engaging students through discussions about their recent activities encourages them to use specific grammatical structures like the present perfect continuous, allowing teachers to assess their language skills effectively. In a supportive environment, when students struggle with vocabulary or grammar usage, teachers can guide and reformulate responses for clarity.

Identifying Language Gaps Through Student Interaction Students share recent activities, revealing gaps in their language use. For instance, one student struggles with the present perfect continuous tense while discussing baking egg tarts. The teacher identifies this as an opportunity to introduce relevant vocabulary like 'baking' instead of just 'making.' Another student mentions studying welding, prompting a discussion about its definition and application—showing how real-life examples can enhance learning.

Leveraging Real-Life Experiences for Targeted Learning As students recount experiences such as moving to Hong Kong or hiking recently, they often default to past simple tense rather than using more complex structures like the present perfect continuous. This indicates areas where they need further instruction and practice. By analyzing these responses collectively on a board, the teacher gains insight into what concepts are essential for future lessons that will engage students effectively.

Recent events are discussed using the present perfect continuous tense, emphasizing actions that started in the past and continue into the present. For example, phrases like "I have been reading a new book" indicate ongoing activity without completion. The structure involves 'have' plus 'been' plus an '-ing' verb form, which students practice by converting sentences together. This interactive approach encourages student participation and understanding of grammatical forms through exploration rather than direct instruction.

Presenting grammar effectively involves engaging students with their own experiences before introducing formal rules. By asking concept-checking questions, teachers can assess understanding of the past, present, and future aspects of actions. The focus is on using 'have' for I/we/you and 'has' for he/she/it in the present perfect continuous tense while emphasizing results from ongoing actions like reading or exercising. An alternative method includes directly presenting definitions and examples at the start; however, incorporating student input first fosters a more interactive learning environment.

Engaging students through controlled practice enhances their learning experience. The focus is on meaningful examples that encourage interaction, such as complimenting someone's appearance and responding appropriately. Exercises involve filling in the gaps with correct verb forms to complete sentences, reinforcing grammar skills while maintaining relevance to real-life conversations.

Allan's analysis highlights the effectiveness of starting lessons with open-ended questions like "What have you been doing recently?" This approach not only engages students but also serves as a practical assessment of their language skills. By transforming student responses into model sentences using the present perfect continuous, learners can refine their grammar and vocabulary in context. The lesson emphasizes addressing grammatical challenges at the point of need, allowing students to improve based on real-life communication scenarios such as discussing specific topics like welding.

Effective communication in language learning begins with context setting, where learners share recent activities. This initial discussion helps the teacher assess their use of present perfect continuous tense. Following this, model sentences are created from student examples for a concise grammar presentation that covers meaning, form, and pronunciation. A summary slide consolidates key rules for students' reference after the lesson. The practice phase includes controlled exercises leading to freer conversations where students apply what they've learned by discussing their recent experiences using the target tense.

Students share their recent activities, highlighting personal projects and teaching experiences. One student mentions sewing as a creative outlet while also taking on the role of an instructor to others. This exchange reflects a blend of hobbies and responsibilities that enrich their lives.