Topic 2
3. Timelines:
1. John is a fisherman. (Simple Present)
I_______________X______________________I
Past Now Future
2. His brother brought land last winter…… (Simple past)
I________X________I______________________I
Past Now Future
3. …….with hopes of increasing his catch the next day (Simple future)
I_________________________I______________X___________I
Past Now Future
4. Thoughts of the TESOL Grammar Video
I guess it would be safe to say before I viewed the video I thought we could acquire grammar from those around us. Not saying I thought the grammar would be perfect but I figured it would be acceptable. After listening to Betty, Keith and Michael I would have to say I totally disagree and think grammar needs to be taught to L1 and L2 students. I think my thought about it being acquired is due to what is happening at my school. We do not teach grammar. We touch on it throughout lessons but we don’t teach it. The reading teachers have expressed their concern but we are told there is not time and we need to focus on reading and math. I guess now after the video I feel a way to strengthen their reading is to help them understand the grammar that goes with the language. I liked Betty’s comment about the two being a hybrid that works. I think it is very 21st century and a great way to look at it. We need both to make it work. I also liked how she said grammar can be integrated but we need to do that to help them be fluent in grammar. I also liked how she said she doesn’t have all the answers and students won’t have grammar mastered after our classes but more of an understanding. I think that is another important piece you don’ t to teach them every piece of grammar but some will eventually lead to more. Keith’s statement about being able to do something with the grammar we learn and not just saying we covered it made me think. I remember learning grammar pieces in school but I still struggle with certain grammar rules and theory. I might have covered it but being able to use it would be much more beneficial for me. I also really liked that he said to have multiply ways to teach grammar in case the students needs it presented in another forum. I think that is important….not everyone learns the same way. Which brings me to Michael’s comments about we should be focus on what our students need and how we will reach each of them. I think it is important to know that each student is different and may required different levels of grammar to be focused on for them to be a better student. In closing, I will quote Michael and say we need to be realistic and know that our students need to be taught grammar and although some people might thing there are 3 golden rules to grammar they are not being realistic and they need to regroup and focus on what the students needs. Second language learners will not just inherit grammar skills. Grammar needs to be taught!
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