The document discusses teaching grammar through an inductive approach by having learners study examples and derive understanding of rules without being directly taught the rules. It discusses how this aligns with theories like the Direct Method and Natural Approach that language is best learned inductively without translation. It also discusses discovery learning involving trial and error with teacher guidance. Finally, it outlines pros and cons of inductive teaching like rules being more memorable but also taking more time and potentially frustrating some learners.

1. How to teach grammar from examples

2. In an inductive
approach,
without having
met the rule,
the learner
studies
examples and
from these
examples
derives an
understanding
of the rule

3. Natural Route
to learn
Learning
through
experience

4. The Direct
Method and the
Natural Approach
TPR
Basic Assumption
language is best
processed
inductively
without
translation

5. The Direct
Method and the
Natural Approach
Audiolinguism
Basic Assumption
language is best
processed
inductively
without
translation

6. Noam Chomsky
Claimed that language, rather than being a habit structure, was instead
ruled-governed creativity.

7. Discovery
Learning
Involves cycles
of trial and
error, with
guidance and
feedback
provided by the
teacher

8. Pros and Cons of Inductive Teaching
• Rules are more memorable, meaningful and
serviceable.
• The mental effort involved ensures a greater
degree of cognitive depth which, again
ensures greater memorability.
• Students are more actively involved in the
learning process.

9. Pros and Cons of Inductive Teaching
• It is an approach which favours pattern-
recognition and problem-solving abilities which
suggests that it is particularly Suitable for learners
who like this kind of challenge.
• If the problem-solving is done collaboratively,
and in the target language, learners get the
opportunity for extra language practice.
• Working things out for themselves prepares
students for greater self-reliance and is therefore
conducive to learner autonomy.

10. Pros and Cons of Inductive Teaching
• The time and energy spent in working out rules
may mislead students into believe that rules are
the objectiye of language learning, rather than a
means.
• The time taken to work out a rule may be at the
expensc of time spent in putting the rule to some
sort of productive practice..
• Students may hypotheslse the wrong rule, in its
application.

11. Pros and Cons of Inductive Teaching
• It can place heavy demands on teachers in
planning a lesson.
• The time taken to work out a rule may be at the
expensc of time spent in putting the rule to some
sort of productive practice..
• An inductive approach frustrates students who,
by dint of their personal learning style or their
past learning experience (or both), would prefer
simply to be told the rule.

12. Resources
How to teach Grammar
Scott Thornbury
Longman
©Pearson Education Limited 1999