Course 3: Script for bored grammar student

Course 3: Script for bored grammar student
Me: What do you find boring about the grammar lessons?
Student: I don't like having to do exercises that repeat. Why do I have to fill in the correct verbs that go in the sentences?
Me: Grammar may not be the most interesting topic, but like math, you need to try to learn some information by repetition for it to stick in your head. For example, you learned that 8x6=48 by memorizing it. You had to repeat exercises with that equation, write it, and receive feedback on it so that it stuck in your head. A lot of grammar rules are the same.
St: But I can do it on paper, then I forget how to speak. I studied this for years and just want to speak English.
Me: You are speaking English, but you not only want to speak English fluently, but accurately. It's like typing. Do you know how to type?
St: yes
Me: O.K, if you just type quickly, but made lots of mistakes would yo be understood?
St: No.
Me: If you just typed with perfect accuracy, with no mistakes, but you typed very slowly, would it be good?
St: No.
Me: So you need to learn how to do both. Learning grammar will help you speak fluently and accurately..
St. What do you mean?
Me: Well, I try to get the class to do drills in areas where you are weak and I give you time to work on conversations and activities like presentations where you can apply what you're learning.  You may not need the rule now, but you can at least know where to find the information about it when you are ready. Research shows  that by combining the activities we do in class with grammar lessons, you will learn English better.
St: I hope you're right. I just don't want to waste time.
Me: Learning a language takes time. It'll all come together.

I might cut back on the amount of time spent on grammar if it's excessive, or try to find more activities to support the grammar points. For example, I try to record my students' sentences and ten have them find the mistakes in them to focus on the grammar we're working on or to use their mistakes as a springboard for grammar lessons.It personalizes the grammar to their needs.