Innovations in Teaching Rules of English Grammar to University Students (Online and On Campus)

September 14, 2010 - 9:34pm | by Chinkley
Presenter(s)
Susan Eliason (Brigham Young University, US)
Lyndell Lutes (Brigham Young University, US)
Session Information
November 4, 2010 - 4:30pm
Areas of Special Interest: 
Blended Learning
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Course
Session Type: 
Poster Session
Location: 
Grand Sierra D & E
Session Duration: 
60
Abstract
Giving students effective instruction and ample practice in essential grammar and usage for business communication has proven highly challenging in both online and on-campus courses.  To meet this need, unusually engaging PowerPoint presentations have been created to clearly explain concepts and provide opportunities for drill-type practice.
Extended Abstract
This presentation will introduce an instructional strategy that facilitates engaged learning for university students enrolled in an online and on-campus management communication course.
 
Effective written communication is essential for success in business and other professions. Many students, however, find the study of grammar to be tedious and even boring. Further, instructors have so much subject matter to cover that grammar rules are often relegated to the end.
 
Typical instructional strategies fail to ensure that basic concepts are reviewed or taught prior to presentation and discussion of the rules. Additionally, rule teaching often tends toward rote memorization and fails to provide students with a way to contextualize critical concepts and rules. During this presentation we will discuss the research behind helping students acquire and use rules effectively. Our approach is based on sound instructional learning theories and expert practices.
 
While the examples used in this presentation are specific to rules of grammar and usage, any educator whose course requires students to memorize and apply material should find the strategy identified in this presentation to be worthy of review and consideration.