Ferdinand asks: "How do I repair holes in my students' grammar?"

Episode Summary:

• How holes in your grammar can develop
• Different roles for the teacher:
  • Teach what you know is right
  • Teach what the student expects
• Raising awareness is the only way to help students self-monitor and fix their own mistakes
• If students resist basic grammar exercises, look for another way...

How to raise awareness and encourage self-monitoring:

• Talk to them about their goals, and how better grammar would help
• "Stealth grammar"
• Record the student and have them listen back
• Write two sentences on the board, ask: "What's the difference?"
• Set writing tasks instead of speaking tasks - scaffold their language and highlight opportunities for better grammar

Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: