4 questions that you need to answer before you teach grammar

Grammar is a very important subject that every ESL /EFL students need to learn. However, it is a burden for most of ESL / EFL teachers to teach grammar. So the truth is – to teach grammar effectively is a complicated matter.

So the question is: how do I teach grammar? This question is deceptively easy. We might think that teaching grammar is just a matter of explaining the rules to our students. If you are always doing it in your class, then you are missing something here. In order to teach grammar effectively, then we need to answer first these 4 important questions:

1. What are the objectives of your class?
The answer to this question will help you to think and to decide what grammar needs to be taught. Are your students’ young learners, adult learners, beginners, or intermediate students? If you are teaching TOEIC class, then lessons that are related to TOEIC are highly encouraged. Think of grammar lessons that will fit in your class.

2. Do you have learning materials and resources available for your students?
Teaching materials and learning aids are very important in grammar class. If you are only using one textbook, then it is not enough. The key point here is the more learning resources you have; the easier it will be for you to initiate various strategies in your grammar class.

3. What sort of students do you have?
You also need to know what kind of students you have. Are your students familiar with the words that you are using? Have they’ve been learning grammar for a long time? Or, is it their first time to study grammar? As a teacher, it is your responsibility to know your students learning background. It will help you to adjust your lessons on their level of thinking and understanding.


4. What kind of learning style does each student have?
This is one of the most difficult facets in teaching grammar. Students have different learning styles. Some students easily learn through visual aids, while others work better with assignments and seat work  As a grammar teacher, it is advisable to use various teaching methods to accommodate every student.

As what I said before, to teach grammar effectively is a complicated matter. I've seen many ESL / EFL teachers who are on the brink of giving up their grammar classes. But it is not the end of the world:). There are a thousand of ways to solve your problem.  Contemplate on these 4 questions and it will help you redirect your grammar teaching.