There is a tight correlation between writing and grammar. This link is evident enough both to seasoned writers and students, yet it is often the case that grammar problems represent a serious obstacle for aspiring writers.
Grammar issues can easily erode a writer’s self-confidence. Evidently, grammar problems prevent the writer to properly express himself. As we know that the ability to express himself and communicate his ideas to his readers is the most important aspect of being a writer, resolving grammar problems play an important role in improving one’s writing skills.
This article will closely examine the role of grammar and writing in education today.
Abstract Grammatical Rules
Memorizing grammar rules, intricate diagrams explaining verb tenses and all other aspects of often rigid and dull grammatical lessons is the traditional way how grammar education works.
Many students struggle to cope with this and this hinders their ability to express themselves as writers.
Problems
In some cases, this can lead to students forming lasting negative impressions about the language, preventing them from expressing their talents.
This plastic and inflexible way of teaching grammar can have overall negative results and cause a lack of motivation toward learning.
Alternative Grammar Teaching Techniques
Recognizing this fact, we provide some alternative techniques of teaching grammar.
Learning Grammar Through Writing
One of the fundamental mistakes is that grammar rules should come before writing, but there is no reason to conclude this is more successful than learning these rules through writing.
In fact, many students have found it way easier to learn and discover grammar rules through writing.
Instead of a tedious practice of memorizing countless grammatical rules, students should be encouraged to learn these rule themselves.
Constant fears of grammatical errors represent a big obstacle for students in their writing. The alternative is to simply let students write and then enable them to learn from their mistakes.
Good Grammar Equals Good Writing?
Should we simply focus on perfecting our grammar before we even start writing, or should we simply go on and write and worry about grammar later?
This is an important question. My personal experience strongly favors the latter. Undoubtedly, there can be no good writing without proper grammar, but even when you think that your grammar is not good, this should not prevent you from writing.
As a matter of fact, you cannot know how to improve without even trying.
Applying Grammatical Concepts
Eminent researchers have concluded that emphasizing grammatical terminology over the ability to understand and apply these concepts is detrimental for students and their writing efforts.
The same studies recommend that teachers should actively encourage students to examine grammatical errors in their writing.
Separating grammar lessons from writing lessons is harming student’s ability to properly understand and apply grammatical concepts in their writing.
Teaching Grammar in the Context of Writing
The focus on memorizing many often impractical grammar rules which are of no use for writing is harming students and their prospects of developing their writing capabilities.
Hence it is important to realize that instead of trying to teach all grammatical concepts to all students without a difference, teachers should focus on helping individual students learn grammatical rules which are of greatest importance for their writing.
Writing Freely
Overcoming writer’s block can be one of the most difficult things for a writer. Sometimes, a mere will to write is not enough and you find yourself unable to express your ideas and put them on paper. You can visit GetGoodGrade website to find tips and examples for writing.
This is why students need encouragement to write freely, without worrying too much about the outcome. It is the process of writing itself that matters, the end result can always be improved later.
Trial-and-Error
Learning how to write through trial-and-error is one of the best and most practical techniques for teaching writing.
This gives students a real chance to learn from their mistakes and steadily improve their writing in the process.
Teaching various writing techniques and rules and attending writing courses cannot help if you don’t have the right knowledge about your strengths and weaknesses. There’s only one way to do this – write.
Assignments Are Invaluable
The process of teaching writing should inevitably include writing assignments for students. The more the better.
Teachers should tend to recognize particular skills and talents of their students and give them a chance to express them through writing assignments.
A personalized writing assignment can be of great help to students who will be much more motivated to write about something that really holds their interest.
Staying Motivated
Perhaps one of the biggest problems if staying motivated. Let’s face it, writing is no easy task and sometimes it is extremely hard to keep your motivation.
One of the main objectives of writing education should include the constant focus on motivating students to write by developing regular writing habits. Reading is also extremely beneficial because it lets students discover new writing possibilities and broaden their horizons.
