Teaching Grammar to 21st Century Students: Choosing the Relevant Approach

Abstract:

Grammar teaching has long been a controversial issue for language pedagogy specialists. Two opposing positions towards grammar instruction coexist nowadays, namely, the view advocating focus on forms, and grammar acquisition through completion of meaningful tasks. Ample research has been dedicated to revealing the advantages and downsides of both of these attitudes. However, the most suitable approach to teaching grammar to 21st century students studying at university has not yet been identified. The present study aims to investigate how the two most popular methods rooted in the pedagogical principles mentioned above affect students’ progress in grammar skills and their motivation. With this purpose in mind, pre- and post-tests and surveys completed by tertiary students were analyzed. The results of the research may contribute to the design of grammar syllabi in university education.