PLENARY SESSIONS

'Teaching spoken English means more grammar - not less'- Hugh Dellar (author of Innovations)

Hugh suggested that we should start thinking about grammar differently. These are some ways we might begin this process:
- Stop thinking of grammar and vocabulary as separate things
- Notice the ordinary patterns of language
- Think more in terms of fixed and semi-fixed chunks of language rather than grammar rules and labels
- Use the board to show students how chunks can be changed and elicit other examples from students
- Don't write single words (and don't teach them separately)
- If it is noun, ask 'verb goes with it' and 'what adjective'
- If it is a verb, ask 'what nouns go with it?' Maybe 'what adverb'?
- Always think and indicate to students if it is written or spoken language
- If it is spoken, ask 'When would you say it?' Who would say it?'

Hugh Dellar particularly insisted on the importance of teaching 'chunks' and not thinking of grammar and vocabulary as separate entities.

LETS