Is it Necessary to Develop Grammar

Learning Materials?Presented by:

• Wayne Wenchao He, Associate Professor of Chinese at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point

• Dela Jiao, Senior Lecturer of Chinese at New York University

Traditional Approach

• People hold different views toward ways of teaching grammar.

• Method of teaching grammar since the 1980’s: - Grammar is combined in textbooks, not in separate books. - After introduction of the pronunciation section, grammar

is taught in a systematic framework and the texts are developed from there.

- Texts in each lesson are developed around the grammar points.

- After the text, a section of Grammar is followed to teach grammar patterns in that lesson.

Pros and Cons of the Traditional Approach

Pros• Easier to teach grammar points from easy and simple

ones to difficult and complicated ones.Cons• The lesson texts are restricted by the level of difficulty of

the grammar points.• The lesson texts are not natural enough.• Limited by the texts in the lesson, grammar points

cannot be explained systematically and in depth.• Instruction of grammar relies on lengthy explanation.

Reasons for a Separate Grammar Book in Chinese for Tomorrow

• Without detailed grammar explanations, learners are still able to learn Chinese well, but usually it requires a Chinese language environment. Even in such an environment, learners may not be able to use Chinese fluently.

• Oftentimes, learners know “what,” but do not know “why.”

• Learning the grammar patterns systematically helps learners understand by the forms, meanings and applications thoroughly. Learners are developing independent learning abilities, and ability to apply the grammar to more situations.

• In comparison, having a separate grammar book has more pros than cons.

Reasons (cont.)

Basic Principles of the Design of the Grammar Book • Consider the development and trends of

contemporary Chinese teaching.• Grounded in the 5Cs.• Referenced by Level A, B and C Grammar

Programs in the “HSK, Chinese Proficiency Test Program.”

• Using sentence patterns as the major means of introducing new grammar items.

• Caters to learners whose first language is English.

• Focus on applications. Prevent from being too theoretical. Provide more examples.

• The vocabulary used is consistent with what is learned in the textbook.

Basic Principles (cont.)

Two Volumes of Grammar Book

• Vol. 1 published in 2007; Vol. 2 published in 2008.• Vol. 1 introduces grammar points in HSK Level A Grammar

Program and partial Level B. Vol. 2 introduces the remaining of Level B and partial Level C. Almost all grammar points are connected with the contents in the textbook.

• 10 lessons per volume.• 4-6 grammar points per lesson.• Targeted exercises included per lesson.• Answer keys provided at the end of the book.

Presentation of Grammar Points

• Examples from the textbook are listed with its origins for better connection.

• Each grammar point is presented with Interlanguage to explain its meanings, functions and applications.

• Simple and intuitive formulas are used to present grammar patterns, placement of the components, arrangements and semantic relationship between components.

• Examples are given based on the level of difficulty. Pinyin, Chinese characters, and English translation are provided.

• The grammar point is presented with examples of affirmative, negative, and question formats.

• Learners have opportunities to compare similarities and differences between the Chinese and the English languages.

Presentation (cont.)

• Reminders are provided for some grammar patterns that are confusing and where learners tend to make mistakes.

• Contrast between new grammar patterns and old grammar patterns are presented, including their connections and distinctions.

• Exercises are given to strengthen what is learned.• Types of exercises include sentence correction,

blank-filling, choosing appropriate terms, substitution, reading and writing.

Presentation (cont.)

Program Components

• Textbook / workbook • Grammar book w/ exercises and answer key• Teacher’s manual• Free online audio & flashcards

Questions?

Contact the authors at:wenchao_he@hotmail.com (Wayne Wenchao He)

xxj1@nyu.edu (Dela Jiao)

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