When I introduced the Speech-fronted program to the new entrants of the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, there was a burning question that came from all quarters: coordinators of different sorts, teachers who taught in the program and others who were not in the program raised a question: Aren’t you going to teach grammar? My answer was “No!” Read More
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jvl narasimha rao
Sir,
I have read the article and found it very interesting , useful and educative It is a fact that most of the teachers are following the grammar translation method all over the world As teacher and trainer I have come to the conclusion that it does not help one to speak or acquire the language but it may help him to pass the exam or write fairly well. We can not teach grammar for the sake of grammar. As you have rightly pointed out it is only means to an end but not an endin it self. What is the end? The end is we should make the child think, speak, read and write in the target language, English. Unfortunately the examination system in India is examination oriented and the exam has become a necessary evil.the teachers are forced to teach grammar in the traditional outdated prescriptive grammar despite its obvious demerits. We know the defects but we can’t help teaching it. unless one has the need to learn some thing one doesn’t learn it. the only need of the students in India is to pas the exam by hook or crook.
Yours sincerely,
JVL NARASIMHA RAO