Teaching English Grammar Effectively: Exploring the Difference Between Explicit and Implicit Grammar Teaching

Introduction

The decades-old debate between explicit and implicit grammar teaching is one of the most divisive in language education.

Advocates of explicit teaching say it provides learners with a structured framework and systematic rules, making it easier for them to understand abstract grammar concepts. This gives learners a solid foundation for learning the language, and can be especially helpful for lower levels or those who prefer a more structured learning approach.

On the other hand, those arguing for implicit teaching say it encourages learners to acquire grammar naturally through exposure, and allows them to develop their language skills intuitively and organically, mirroring how children learn their first language.

It would be simplistic to say one approach is ‘better’, but whichever is preferred, the ability to construct grammatically correct sentences allows learners to express their ideas with greater clarity and engage in meaningful conversations, write coherently, and comprehend the language more effectively.

Explicit Grammar Teaching

Overview and benefits

The explicit approach to grammar teaching provides clear guidelines and structured lessons. It aims to equip students with a solid foundation of grammatical knowledge. Through direct instruction and explanation, students can understand the rules and apply them in their writing and speaking.

Example

Teacher-led activities play a crucial role in explicit grammar teaching. The classic example of explicit teaching is a grammar auction. By engaging in activities such as sentence construction exercises when they bid on a grammar point or error correction tasks for other students, students can actively apply their understanding of grammatical structures even if they’re not being used in a natural context.

While explicit grammar teaching may not be the only approach to language instruction, its merits lie in providing learners with clear guidelines for effective communication. By understanding the foundations of grammar through direct instruction and teacher-led activities, students can develop their linguistic abilities with confidence and accuracy.

Implicit Grammar Teaching

Overview and benefits

In recent years there has been a shift towards uncovering grammar using implicit teaching methods. Rather than relying solely on instruction, teachers focus on the acquisition of grammar rules through exposure and practice.

The concept behind this is to create a student-centered environment where learners actively engage in activities that allow them to discover and internalize grammar patterns naturally. By doing this, they can observe patterns, make connections, and develop an intuitive understanding of how grammar functions within a given language.

Example

For example, having students create and tell a story using a series of pictures as prompts requires them to use a range of tenses to sequence the events in their stories.

Rather than explicitly teaching grammar rules, this approach encourages students to learn through context and examples. By exposing students to authentic language usage, they develop an intuitive understanding of grammar patterns without conscious awareness of the underlying rules.

This approach recognizes that language acquisition is not solely dependent on explicit knowledge of grammatical rules but also requires exposure to meaningful input and opportunities for meaningful output.

By embracing this uncovering implicit grammar teaching method, educators can foster a more dynamic and engaging learning experience for their students. It allows learners to develop a deeper understanding of how grammar works through hands-on exploration rather than simply memorizing rules. This student-centred approach encourages critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and promotes lifelong learning as students become active participants in their own language acquisition journey.

The Pros and Cons of Explicit and Implicit Grammar Teaching Approaches

The use of explicit grammar teaching is not without its critics, as some argue that it can lead to rote memorization and hinder creativity. On the other hand, implicit teaching may be said to lack clarity and may not address specific grammatical points adequately without intensive teacher input. Finding the right balance between explicit and implicit methods is therefore essential. Incorporating elements of both approaches can create a comprehensive learning experience that combines structure with authentic usage. By providing clear explanations alongside meaningful exposure to real-life language use, educators can cater to different learning styles while promoting effective language acquisition.

Ultimately, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both explicit and implicit grammar teaching approaches allows educators to make informed decisions about their instructional methods. By adapting their strategies based on individual learner needs and goals, they can create an engaging environment that fosters successful language learning outcomes.