Grammar as an Essential Part of Each Language Assignment

Grammar as an Essential Part of Each Language - Assignment Example According to the research findings, a teacher’s language is just required to be correct because it will be the examples for students to follow. It is especially true for those, whose first language is not English. Consequently, an ESL/EFL teacher has to know both descriptive and prescriptive grammar in order to teach students to communicate correctly. While descriptive grammar can be learned by students from examples (via reading, listening, and then imitation), it is important for them to know prescriptive grammar as well in order to be able to form own sentences correctly and independently from the models provided in class. Therefore, in my opinion, a future ESL/EFL teacher should know, and be ready to teach the prescriptive grammar rules. This knowledge will help to both structures the teaching process and clarify certain grammatical aspects for the students. In addition, knowledge of the basic rules of grammar will help the teacher to form own sentences correctly, and, as a result, be a good example for the students to follow. So, the correctness of the teacher’s speech adds to the students’ learning. Besides, the teacher must understand the basic rules of grammar because otherwise, one will not be able to teach grammar effectively. While such understanding involves the correctness of the teacher’s own speech, it also requires some additional knowledge that will help to explain to the students why this or that sentences is formed in a particular way. If students do not understand the reasons, they are usually unlikely to be able to form own correct sentences without the supportive examples. On the contrary, when students know the rules to follow, they are more likely to use them in independent speech or writing. Another important aspect of language for the teacher to know is ‘metalanguage’ – vocabulary used to describe the language. It is a tool for the teacher to explain grammar rules to the students.