Some students believe there are only two types of English classes: either traditional grammar, or 100% free conversation. I like to think of grammar and free conversation as tools, and like with any tool, they’re good for some things, and not for others. For example, (traditional) grammar could be good, in some cases, to help a student clarify the correct way to form a sentence, or to see greater varieties in ways to form their sentences.
However, many students find traditional grammar boring. And also as a teacher, what I’ve seen is that many times traditional grammar does not help a student speak or listen better. And I think this is because speaking and listening happen in real time, and it’s very difficult to apply a grammar rule in real time.
So, is the answer 100% free conversation classes? I’ll be sharing my thoughts on that in the next video.
In the meantime, what do you think? What has been your experience? Has traditional grammar helped you speak English better, and understand better? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and I’ll see you next week.
Thank you.
Hi Scott!!It is a very good question about if grammar helps speaking and listening.
In my opinion it is a mix both of them. Grammar is very usefull to order the sentences and the way to implement it is practicing through speaking and listening.
Congratulations for creating this new space in your website !!!
Hi Scott!! Is a pleasure to see you again. You have right about it’s difficult to apply grammar in real time. But when you know manny new word or better way to form a sentences You feel grammar helps a lot. Sometimes it’s not enough. Maybe Songs, series and Ted talks help. By Scott see you.
When I was a child I studied English in a tradicional way , I wrote many of exercises from the book and the teacher asked me the vocabulary each class . I remember I had to repete the words without sense and i had to memorize the grammar . Many years I hated to walk to my teacher’s house two time a week. These days I love our conversation because the way of learning that makes me more confident and I feel like learning more.