Handbook

This subject explores the fundamentals of English language grammar and its role in the teaching and learning of English as an additional language. It aims to build linguistic and pedagogical knowledge and skills so students can anticipate learner needs and problems, analyse their language use, provide clear, logical explanations, and develop strategies which assist the productive learning of English. The subject relates traditional and functional grammar perspectives on expression of ideas, development of interpersonal language and text development, to social and academic practices of spoken and written communication. While part of this subject is devoted to recognizing common language errors, the aim is to go beyond correction to explanation providing students with an informed basis upon which to found their teaching in presenting new language, explaining language forms and functions, answering questions about language, diagnosing language learning problems and advising students on how to manage their language learning. To achieve this, the subject draws on practical grammar teaching strategies and provides opportunities for students to diagnose learner difficulties and apply explicit language support strategies.