Re: Grammar

I'm probably thinking about the use of grammar in a much more simple way,
Matt. Think about some of the posts here by people who didn't get any real
instruction (I think that by this I mean direct) in the use of grammar all
the way into their college years. I think a 12-13 year old can learn the
difference between a comma, semi-colon, and colon, for example. More
sophisticated writing strategies can be learned in the context of more
sophisticated writing -- I think once the basics are down, these can be
picked up along the way.

I think I tend to agree with those who think it shouldn't be learned in a
vacuum -- you don't just teach grammar, you teach people how to write. And
then the problem with teaching writing is that the subjects people writing
about are almost always more interesting than the act of writing itself. I
just don't think that people are getting much of either sometimes -- there's
something wrong when someone can go through H.S. and still not have been
taught the proper uses of a semi-colon.

Implementing this kind of instruction nationally would be a headache :).
What would you do to follow up on this? Use standardized tests? I'm not
saying it's doable everywhere, but I've seen this kind of instruction
implemented before and I think it's possible.

Jim

Matt Kozusko wrote:

> Grammar couldn't be learned or taught in a single class or by a certain
> (primary school) level, even if the class were dedicated entirely to
> grammar alone. I'd imagine grammar can really only be taught gradually,
> on roughly the same pace as reading levels. More complex writing is
> predicated on complex grammar.
>
> Besides, covering all of English grammar by placing the burden on
> teachers would require coordination not only within local schools, but
> among them as well, and it would presume a standard in the teaching
> ranks that's probably too ambitious--the teaching of grammar would
> likely have to begin with the teachers themselves.
>
> --
> Il n'y a pas de hors texte,
>
> Matt
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