Teaching Subject and Verb Agreement

[anupumh]

Hi,

To a student, how would one introduce the topic of subject and verb agreement. What will be cover and touch before jumping to its rules..?

Thanks

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by anupumh

Hi,

To a student, how would one introduce the topic of subject and verb agreement. What will be cover and touch before jumping to its rules..?

Thanks

See my reply to your more recent duplicate post.

[shubh]

Trying to link what you teach with other subjects is a way of triggering interest. Teaching method also depends upon the students’ age and standards. But always try to involve the students in teaching strategies. Make the content creative.


common practice

[anupumh]

Thats what the challege is.. how do you intoduce SVA to adult learners, who already know how to speak english but commint a few mistakes in SVA...

[Cian_SP]

context context context..... and questions.. they're understanding of the new structure & vocab will be seen in their questioning.

NEVER explain a grammar rule. In my experience students tend to remember the name and function of a specific rule but have no concept of putting it into practice.

Lead into your chosen introductory grammar or vocab through questioning

[dmitch]

Originally Posted by Cian_SP

context context context..... and questions.. they're understanding of the new structure & vocab will be seen in their questioning.

NEVER explain a grammar rule. In my experience students tend to remember the name and function of a specific rule but have no concept of putting it into practice.

Lead into your chosen introductory grammar or vocab through questioning

CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING....... MAKE IT 'REAL' ! Something students can believe in

[anupumh]

Thanks for your suggestions,

How do we deflect from the normal convention of teaching grammar rules to teaching grammar without rules, via contexts and questioniong. Can anybody elaborate on it by a few examples or suggest a book/article or weblink for it?

I will be obliged.

[Cian_SP]

What separates a teacher from an instructor is the art they infuse with their methodology.

I teach to Brazilians who speak no english and i never use Portuguese. It is unhelpful to learn a second language using your first as a crutch.

Remember the purpose of communication: To present in image and its undertsanding (intent/purpose) from one mind to another (or collective).. That is it. COmmunication is art. Explaining an image in your mind or in direct sight.

With this is mind, focus your explanations on being colourful & dynamic. Don't be afraid to act like a fool to get your message across.

Repetition is the key. Humans learn and remember through this process.

For example: TEACHING TRUE BEGINNERS - BLUE PEN
Point to Blue Pen - What is this?
This is a blue pen
Repeat
(Student) This is a blue pen
What is this?
(Student) This is a blue pen
Is this a red pen?
(student) No, this is a blue pen
Is this a blue pen or a red pen?
(student) This is a blue pen
What is this?
(student) This is a blue pen

Very basic example but clearly effective way of teaching objects and nouns to students using only the target language.

They should imitate you. Don't be scared to use your white board. Remember you only learned grammar when you were at school yet you spoke and could communicate before. How, you imitated.

Adults are the most difficult to teach as they are hardened arrogant twits. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers (the worst) and so on.. They learn in university to 'question everything' and so the second they are faced with new grammar they ask "Why teacher?".. When they say this they don't allow themselves to make progress.

If a student asks you why, just tell them "Shakespeare wanted it that way"

There is no perfect methodology and well to be honest, some students should stick to tennis and are beyond help

[anupumh]

Thanks a bundle for illustrating your point. Can you provide a similar example for tecahing SVA from your vast experience..