[Jack in Tokyo]

Riverkid I would like to continue if you don't mind.

I am writing the following to to draw you out on your background!
My entry into teaching English in Japan came about ten years ago when I took the RSA CELTA in Melbourne, Australia. This was carried out by clever experienced TEFL teachers following a method based mainly on traditional grammar and emphasising the four skills. I think two percent of the class had any idea of traditional grammar! After six months teaching at probably the best of the big schools in Fujisawa I took up teaching my own private classes,exclusively adults. I found that I quickly had to modify the four skills RSA approach if I wanted to retain a sizeable number of students in my classes.
I thoroughly enjoy this work and I wish I had started it many years ago instead of weeds,seeds and cattle in Papua New Guinea.
I don't know if you are American but four years ago I discovered the superb book "Understanding English Grammar" by Kolln & Funk. This is probably the bible of American English teachers - although apparently the FORMAL teaching of grammar is shunned by many teachers there as in other countries.
Kolln & Funk emphasize a linguistic grammar -a functional approach and introduce it in parallel with traditional grammar. Riverkid - are you still there?

This functional approach to English grammar has recently been reinforced by my starting a M.Ed (TESOL) - (five units out of a total of eight almost finished) and discovering functional grammar in the Halliday perspective.I have scoured the internet forums trying to find other people who are interested but you are one of the very few to respond - many thanks.
I am of advanced years and as you can see uninhibited in my seeking of views - time is running out.

I would be extremely interested to hear from what perspective you have come in your teaching.
John Curran