Is it Necessary to Develop Grammar Learning Materials

1
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

2
Traditional Approach

• People hold different views toward ways of
  teaching grammar.
• Method of teaching grammar since the 1980s
• - 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.

3
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.

4
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.

5
Reasons (cont.)

• 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.

6
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.

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Basic Principles (cont.)

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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Presentation (cont.)

• 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.

11
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.

12
Program Components

• Textbook / workbook
• Grammar book w/ exercises and answer key
• Teachers manual
• Free online audio flashcards

13

• Questions?

Contact the authors atwenchao_he_at_hotmail.com
(Wayne Wenchao He)xxj1_at_nyu.edu (Dela
Jiao)Continue the conversation with your peers
at PeerSource my.cheng-tsui.com/forum/642
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