This course is designed for graduate-level students pursuing a deeper understanding of Grammar and Linguistics in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). It provides a rigorous and comprehensive examination of English grammar, syntax, and linguistic structures, focusing on their application in the classroom to enhance teaching practices for non-native English learners. The course covers essential topics such as sentence structure, verb tenses, modality, passive voice, and grammar teaching methodologies. Through an exploration of these linguistic concepts, students will develop the analytical skills required to teach grammar effectively in TESOL contexts, particularly in community outreach settings. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the pedagogical tools to address common linguistic challenges faced by English learners while fostering communicative competence.
The course is designed to address the needs of both language instructors and students, allowing participants to engage with both theoretical aspects of grammar and practical classroom applications. The content emphasizes the complexity of teaching grammar in multilingual settings and highlights the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment. Throughout the course, students will gain proficiency in recognizing grammatical errors, correcting them, and using evidence-based teaching strategies to support language acquisition. Real-world case studies and teaching scenarios will allow students to apply grammatical knowledge to actual classroom situations.
Key Points Covered in the Course
- Introduction to Grammar in TESOL
This key point covers the foundational concepts of grammar in TESOL, exploring its importance in teaching English as a second language. Students will learn about the different types of grammar (descriptive vs. prescriptive) and the role grammar plays in language acquisition. The point also highlights the challenges TESOL students face in understanding and mastering grammatical rules, setting the stage for further in-depth exploration in the course. Practical strategies for teaching grammar to non-native speakers will also be introduced. Understanding grammar’s role in language teaching is essential for creating effective instructional plans. - Sentence Structure and Syntax
The second key point explores the rules governing sentence structure and word order in English. Students will learn about basic sentence types, including declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences. This section delves into the relationship between words, phrases, and clauses to form grammatically correct sentences. The role of subject-verb agreement and syntactical rules in sentence formation will be discussed, along with the application of these rules in TESOL classrooms. Students will also be provided with strategies to teach sentence structure effectively to learners at various proficiency levels. - Verb Tenses and Aspect
A critical part of English grammar is understanding verb tenses and aspect. This section provides an in-depth look at the different verb tenses in English (past, present, future) and their aspects (simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous). Students will learn how to identify and explain the appropriate use of each tense, including the nuances of tense-aspect combinations. This key point also discusses common errors made by language learners and provides methods for addressing those mistakes in a TESOL context. Mastering verb tenses is crucial for enabling students to express time and events accurately. - Modality and Modal Verbs
This section focuses on modality, specifically the use of modal verbs in English. Modal verbs like ‘can,’ ‘could,’ ‘may,’ ‘must,’ ‘should,’ and others express different meanings, including permission, ability, necessity, and possibility. Students will explore how modal verbs function in sentences and how they are used to convey different degrees of certainty or obligation. The teaching of modals in TESOL settings is essential for helping learners navigate the subtleties of expressing modality. Practical exercises and teaching strategies for modals will also be included. - Teaching Grammar in TESOL Contexts
Effective grammar instruction requires tailored approaches, especially in TESOL classrooms where students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This key point introduces various methods for teaching grammar, including explicit grammar instruction, task-based teaching, and communicative grammar teaching. Students will evaluate the advantages and challenges of these approaches, focusing on how to make grammar teaching more contextualized and relevant. This section also includes strategies for engaging students in grammar learning, ensuring that lessons are interactive and conducive to language development. Assessment and error correction techniques will also be discussed. - Syntax and Sentence Types in TESOL
The final key point focuses on the different types of sentences and their structures in English. Students will study declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative sentences, understanding how each functions to convey meaning. The chapter also covers sentence complexity, from simple sentences to more complex structures such as compound and complex sentences. Students will learn how to teach these structures in ways that enhance learner comprehension. This point also discusses the role of syntax in sentence construction, helping students understand how word order affects meaning and how to guide learners in using various sentence types effectively.