Critical response for the issues in grammar

Through years, arguments had been made to search for the truth whether grammar should be taught or not. As a new rookie to this field, I truly advocate that grammar must be taught to pupils using different theory and approaches. Ignoring the approaches found by expert, discussion of the nature of grammar will be the main discussion in this critical response.

Grammar is composed by several main elements like inflection, tense and agreement. As an English teacher, it is my duty and focus to transcend the essence of grammar and English language to the new generation. I cannot deny that different countries have different ways of speaking English with unique grammar. This brings out the issue of the approach of using descriptive or prescriptive manner in teaching it. Yet, if a non proper grammar is applied in verbal and non verbal language, the worse outcome will be communication broken down. When having a conversation with native speakers ( those who use standard English ), they will comprehend nothing from someone speaking English with no correct English element inside the utterance. It shows the importance of using proper English in daily lives.

In Malaysia, broken English is popular among Malaysians. This is the sad case as many of these were the victims of behaviorism in teaching grammar. Some teachers ignored grammar teaching. Thus, we will find a huge problem like, He go to eating . Surprisingly, some people do talk using the schemata they have like the example given above. In order to achieve the national philosophy of education and improve the standard of English in Malaysia, it is my responsibility to advocate the teaching grammar in my teaching. How to teach is another problem, but the main focus here is to teach grammar element properly in class. But, the teacher himself needs to equip himself with correct and proper English grammar before teaching to the new generation.

Furthermore, I find teachers like to use the traditional way to teach grammar. The famous quotation is You have to memorise and memorise. Through years, it does not show any improvements in Malaysia among the pupils. An eclectic approach needs to be used and practiced in teaching as the old approach, one fits all is no longer effective nowadays.

In a nutshell, I need to put in the theory into practical during my teaching. Theory of researchers is explaining any phenomenon happened in the universe, it is up to me to utilize it into an efficient and effective teaching.