Explicit Grammar Instruction- 11/7/14

In the world of foreign language instruction there is a consistent debate about explicit versus implicit grammar instruction.

Explicit instruction of grammar means that forms are called to the students attention and grammar rules are formally explained in a classroom setting. This typically is done through lecture in the classroom. An example using the English language would be: The indefinite article "a" is used before nouns that begin with a consonant. The indefinite article "an" is used before nouns that begin with vowels (a,e,i,o,u). These rules are then rehearsed with specific, form based examples such as fill in the blank and sentence translations: fill in the appropriate indefinite article. "I ate               apple for lunch today." In implicit grammar instruction, rules and grammar rule practice such as fill in the blank are not stressed. When grammar is stressed in the implicit method, the examples are presented in a real world context.

The implicit grammar method leads the teacher to focus on meaning rather than the grammar form, as one learns their native language as a child. (Think of children being allowed to make grammatical errors in their native language without being asked to use a specific grammar form) English language example: "Me want to play outside". An example within implicit instruction in a German classroom would be: How would you order in a German restaurant? Create a skit with a partner.

(image: google images) 

In my opinion as both a language learner and teacher, implicit instruction is a less stressful method for students as they are allowed to make grammatical errors, just as one does when they are first learning a language as a young child. I prefer to teach using the implicit method, as it promotes communication in a real world context, rather than in a grammatically driven sense. However, explicit grammar instruction can have its place in the foreign language classroom. Some students enjoy the grammar tables and charts that come with learning a foreign language and will become frustrated when implicit instruction is used because they want to know the grammatical rules of the language. 

There will never really be one definitive answer to how one teaches grammar in the foreign language classroom. A truly wonderful teacher does what it best for his or her students and teaches in a way where the students will understand and benefit from the instruction. At the end of the day, students do not care about the fancy names we give to pedagogical concepts, they care that they are learning and that their needs are being met in the classroom environment.