The Roles of Grammar in English Language Teaching: Local Viewpoints

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Roles of Grammar in English Language Teaching: Local Viewpoints
Language: English
Authors: Saengboon, Saksit, Panyaatisin, Kosin, Toomaneejinda, Anuchit
Source: PASAA: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning in Thailand. Jan-Jun 2022 63:179-204.
Availability: Chulalongkorn University Language Institute. Prem Purachatra Building, Chulalongkom University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Tel: +66-2-218-6092; Fax: +66-2-218-6104; e-mail: pasaa.editor@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.culi.chula.ac.th/publicationsonline/home_p1.php
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 26
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Grammar, English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, College Students, Foreign Countries, Language Tests, Second Language Learning, Test Coaching, Student Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Thailand
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Test of English as a Foreign Language
ISSN: 0125-2488
2287-0024
Abstract: The roles of grammar in the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) have long been discussed. This study explored viewpoints of five categories of local stakeholders regarding the roles of grammar in the Thai EFL context. Questionnaires were administered to two groups of Thai university students, and focus-group and semi-structured interviews were conducted with three other groups of both English lecturers and students, all of whom were in the academic context. This five-pronged method of data collection was intended to triangulate data sources. The study found that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of the participants agreed that grammar played a key role in the Thai EFL setting, especially the academic context. Most of the participants held positive views toward grammar instruction. Once grammar was taught with clear objectives, namely to take the TOEFL test or to understand academic English reading, the participants found it useful. However, caution must be made in discussing the concept of grammar. On the one hand, grammar is often misconstrued as a hindrance to communication effectiveness; on the other hand, contextualized grammar with clear instructional objectives plays a pivotal role in developing English proficiency.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1348266
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The roles of grammar in the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) have long been discussed. This study explored viewpoints of five categories of local stakeholders regarding the roles of grammar in the Thai EFL context. Questionnaires were administered to two groups of Thai university students, and focus-group and semi-structured interviews were conducted with three other groups of both English lecturers and students, all of whom were in the academic context. This five-pronged method of data collection was intended to triangulate data sources. The study found that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of the participants agreed that grammar played a key role in the Thai EFL setting, especially the academic context. Most of the participants held positive views toward grammar instruction. Once grammar was taught with clear objectives, namely to take the TOEFL test or to understand academic English reading, the participants found it useful. However, caution must be made in discussing the concept of grammar. On the one hand, grammar is often misconstrued as a hindrance to communication effectiveness; on the other hand, contextualized grammar with clear instructional objectives plays a pivotal role in developing English proficiency.
ISSN:0125-2488
2287-0024