248: Why grammar instruction stinks, and how we can change that
Mar 30, 2025
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In a lively discussion, Matthew Johnson, an English teacher and author of *Good Grammar*, shares his innovative strategies for making grammar instruction engaging and inclusive. He critiques traditional, outdated methods, advocating for a joyful and curiosity-driven approach to learning grammar. Johnson discusses the importance of connecting grammar to real-world applications and emphasizes the need for personal expression in an AI-influenced landscape. He reveals how these fresh perspectives have transformed his classroom, making grammar a student's favorite subject.
Traditional grammar instruction methods often frustrate students and fail to promote retention or practical application of concepts.
Shifting grammar teaching from isolated drills to meaningful writing tasks significantly enhances student engagement and contextual understanding.
Incorporating joy and curiosity into grammar lessons helps students view grammar as a tool for expression rather than a burdensome requirement.
Deep dives
The Ineffectiveness of Traditional Grammar Instruction
Teaching grammar through traditional methods, such as worksheets and isolated drills, often results in students failing to retain crucial concepts. Research indicates that this approach lacks effectiveness, leaving students unable to apply grammar rules in practical writing situations. As a result, many students express dislike and frustration towards grammar, perceiving it as a burdensome requirement rather than a tool for effective communication. Instead of drilling basic rules in a vacuum, there is a need to integrate grammar instruction into real-life writing and expressive tasks.
Expansive vs. Bounded Framing in Grammar Teaching
Shifting the approach to grammar instruction from a bounded framework, which focuses solely on test preparation, to an expansive frame that considers the broader implications of grammar can greatly enhance student engagement. This means contextualizing grammar rules within meaningful writing tasks and discussions about language, rather than simply rote learning. By discussing the relevance and application of grammar in everyday communication, students become more curious and invested in their learning. This strategy not only fosters deeper understanding but also helps students recognize their existing knowledge of language structures.
Connecting Grammar Concepts for Deeper Learning
Siloed teaching often separates grammar lessons into isolated units, hindering students’ ability to see connections among various grammar concepts. Effective grammar instruction should instead group related concepts together, allowing students to recognize how different grammatical tools can be used collaboratively in their writing. For instance, teaching colons alongside parallel structures creates a more cohesive understanding of emphasis in writing. Revisiting these concepts over time ensures that students can internalize and apply their knowledge, which ultimately leads to better writing outcomes.
Fostering Joy and Curiosity in Grammar Learning
Integrating an element of joy and curiosity into grammar instruction can transform students' perceptions and learning outcomes. By presenting grammar as an exciting opportunity to express oneself rather than a tedious requirement to pass tests, students become more engaged and willing to take risks. Using fun examples and relatable discussions about contemporary language use encourages students to explore grammar's nuances. This approach not only diminishes feelings of embarrassment that often accompany struggles with grammar but also empowers students to see their language abilities as assets.
The Importance of Voice in Grammar Instruction
One of the main goals of grammar instruction should be to help students express their unique voices and thought processes effectively. Learning about grammar equips students with the tools necessary to articulate their ideas clearly and confidently, allowing them to stand out in a sea of generic writing. Engaging students in discussions about their personal language and how grammar can enhance their expression fosters a sense of ownership over their writing. As students grasp the relevance of grammar to their individual voices, they find joy in mastering it and see it as a vital component of their communication skills.
Grammar has never been an especially popular area of study, and teaching it has frustrated many English teachers throughout time. It seems like no matter how hard we try, the concepts just don't stick as well as we'd like them to. In this episode, I'm talking to Matthew Johnson, author of the new book Good Grammar: Joyful and Affirming Language Lessons That Work for More Students, about some truly fresh approaches he takes to grammar instruction (I definitely never tried them!). They have worked so well that his students now say grammar is their favorite part of his class — definitely worth a listen!
Thanks to Zearn and EVERFI for sponsoring this episode.
