1. What differences between student writers and experienced writers surprised you the most while reading Sommer's article?
2. Do you believe formal instruction of grammar in classrooms can be harmful? How important do you believe grammar is? Some people believe it stifles creativity and is antiquated while others believe it creates a solid foundation for mutual understanding between the reader and writer. Where do you lie on that spectrum?
Hi Raquel,
ReplyDeleteTo answer your second question, I think there's a complicated middle ground to be met. I think that we should instill awareness in our students that the "correct" way that they have been taught to write is not inherently correct; it is merely the language that dominating powers in this country decided was correct. So, I think it's really important for students to be able to recognize that and explore new kinds of grammar that might allow them to express themselves more freely. On the other hand, students do need to acquire some skills with standard academic grammar, since that is the grammar that they will most likely use in their other classes and in their professional lives. Ideally, we can inspire some critical awareness about where notions of "correct" grammar come from, while at the same time teaching that grammar and encouraging them to experiment with new forms. I don't know what the perfect balance of that would look like yet; I expect some trial and error in the classroom will be necessary.
Hi Raquel,
ReplyDeleteIn response to your second question, I think teaching grammar formally can only be described as "harmful" in the sense that we establish students focusing more heavily on the content of their writing as "productive." I personally believe grammar to be important because it sets a standard for efficient and clear communication purposes, even though I understand it is truly a social construct. I think that we certainly should not neglect grammar education, but we need to make sure that it does not take precedence over teaching students to better arrange their thoughts and construct arguments.