Students Versus Grammar: An Eternal Battle

When teachers ask their students what they fear most when studying English as a foreign language, the majority of them answer “GRAMMAR” with no hesitation. Indeed, this villain called “grammatical rules” accompanied by its minions called “syntax”, “exceptions”, “grammar usage and application” and “phenomena” do not make the students’ lives easier at all. Let us dive deeper into the psyche of Grammar and see if we and our students can actually conquer it.

Step 1: Get to know your enemy!
What kind of mistakes are most frequently encountered inside EFL classrooms?

1. Subject- Verb Agreement. Strange as it may sound, this is the most difficult part that students struggle to grasp. The so called “SVO” (subject-verb-object) in English should not be taken for granted. Mistakes like “She walk to the store” and “to the store walks she” are very common during early stages of English acquisition.
2. Apostrophe Usage. Let’s be honest. Apostrophes are more often than not omitted during written English. Mistakes like “its” instead of “it’s” and “there” instead of “they’re” are becoming the trend these days.
3. Pronoun Usage. English is a language that requires mentioning the pronoun and cannot be inferred like in other languages, such as Greek or Spanish. Not only that, but also the order and the kind of pronouns used are frequently misused. Take this sentence for example “Me and my friend went to the movies”. Can you spot the mistake?
4. Verb Tenses. One of the most, not to mention the most common difficulty EFL students face. “I will go to the party yesterday”, “I am live in Athens” etc. are mistakes that underline this very struggle of theirs to grasp the notion of correct formation and application of English tenses.

Step 2: Embrace The Challenge!
What are some common difficulties that students face when it comes to learning grammar and what tips and solutions can a teacher give to overcome them?

1. Complex Rules: Grammar can be overwhelming due to its intricate rules. To tackle this, break down the rules into smaller, manageable parts. Provide clear explanations and examples to help students grasp the concepts step by step.
2. Lack of Context: Grammar rules can seem abstract without proper context. Incorporate real-life examples and situations to make grammar more relatable and practical. By connecting grammar to everyday communication, students can better understand its relevance.
3. Memorization: Memorizing grammar rules and exceptions can be challenging. Encourage students to practice regularly through activities such as sentence construction, role-playing, or writing exercises. This repetition helps reinforce the rules and makes them more memorable.
4. Application: Students may struggle to apply grammar rules correctly in their own writing or speaking. Offer ample opportunities for practice and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to read and analyze authentic texts to see grammar in action.
5. Fear of Making Mistakes: Fear of making mistakes can hinder students’ progress. Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable taking risks. Emphasize that mistakes are part of the constructive feedback to help them improve.
6. Lack of Engagement: Grammar can sometimes be seen as dull or boring. Make learning interactive and engaging by incorporating games, technology, and multimedia resources. Use humor, storytelling and real-world examples to capture students’ interest.
7. Language Barriers: Students learning grammar in a second language may face additional challenge. Provide extra support, such as bilingual resources, visual aids, and opportunities for language practice. Encourage peer collaboration and create a safe space for language learners to ask questions freely and fearlessly.

Step 3: Planning Teaching Strategies!
Are there any particular strategies that are effective in engaging learners, and enhance their grammar comprehension and retention?

• Hands-on activities provide learners with tangible experiences that help them grasp grammar concepts. For example, you can use sentence-building games where students physically manipulate word cards to create grammatically correct sentences. This interactive approach allows learners to see the connection between words and their proper placement within a sentence.
• Games are another fantastic way to engage learners and make grammar fun. For instance, you can play grammar jeopardy or create grammar bingo cards with different grammar rules. These games encourage active participation, competition and collaboration, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Interactive exercises, such as online quizzes or interactive worksheets, offer immediate feedback to learners. This feedback helps them identify their mistakes and reinforce correct grammar usage. Additionally, incorporating multimedia resources, like videos or audio clips, can provide real-life examples of grammar rules in context.
• The importance of context in understanding and using grammar cannot be overstated. Grammar rules are not isolated concepts but are deeply intertwined with language and communication. By presenting grammar rules within meaningful contexts, learners can better understand their purpose and application. For example, instead of simple teaching verb tense, provide situations where learners have to use the appropriate tense to describe past events or future plans. This contextualized approach helps learners see the relevance of grammar in everyday communication.
• Using authentic materials, such as newspapers, articles, short stories, or dialogues, expose learners to real-world grammar usage. Learners can analyze how grammar rules are applied in different contexts and develop a deeper understanding of grammar’s role in effective communication.

Step 4: Celebrate Victory!
All in all, can grammar learning be transformed from a scary monster to a manageable challenge? It most certainly can!
Remember, patience and encouragement are key when helping students overcome grammar challenges. Celebrate their progress and provide personalized guidance to address individual needs. By creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, students can confidently navigate the intricacies of grammar.