"TIRF encourages TESOL researchers to do good work and to make a difference in the world as the findings from their research inform and enrich the learning and teaching of English around the world."

Diane Larsen-Freeman,
TIRF Supporter

The International Research
Foundation
for English Language Education

Research > Research Priorities > Effective Grammar Instruction for English Language Learners in Primary and Secondary Education Contexts

TIRF Research Priorities

Effective Grammar Instruction for English Language Learners in Primary and Secondary Education Contexts

First adopted 2005-2007

Background: Grammar has long been a central concern of language teachers, learners, and testers. However, the approaches to teaching grammar and the degree of emphasis on grammar within a program of language instruction have varied and shifted greatly throughout the history of language education. The purpose of this research priority is to describe and assess the effectiveness of exemplary and principled approaches to teaching grammar to English language learners around the world.

Proposals might address the following issues:

• Classroom research demonstrating the successful integration of grammar instruction in various kinds of English language curricula.
• The assessment of grammar: e.g., "washback" effects of reforming standardized tests on classroom English teaching/learning processes, particularly with respect to grammar instruction; or new approaches to the "dynamic assessment" of grammar.
• Effective approaches to the instruction and correction of grammar embedded in its discourse context that lead to students' acquisition of appropriate language forms in speech or in writing.
• The use of new technologies for contextualized grammar instruction (e.g., electronic corpora; computer-assisted language learning) and how they can best be incorporated into curricula that have a grammar component.
• Methods for increasing teachers' and students' language awareness (knowledge of pedagogical/functional grammar) and for applying this knowledge effectively.