#38 - 3 Strategies to Make Grammar Your Friend, Not Your Boss - Proficiency-Based Grammar Instruction

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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The proper role of grammar in proficiency-oriented instruction requires a mindset shift from traditional approaches to one that aligns with what research tells us about language acquisition.
Watch the episode on youtube here: https://youtu.be/zo1ys4aCh5A

• Grammar isn't driving your language program—it has the snacks while you decide the direction based on student proficiency levels and goals
• Understanding grammar does not lead to acquisition, but helps make existing language more accurate
• Pop-up grammar offers quick, contextual explanations when students notice patterns without extensive practice or assessment
• Inductive grammar engages students in discovering patterns themselves, which improves retention and understanding
• A three-week grammar bootcamp provides a transition strategy for teachers in grammar-heavy departments
• Treating grammar as functional chunks (like teaching "je voudrais" instead of the entire conditional tense) works well until intermediate levels
• Accuracy becomes more important in years 3-4 when students have enough language to refine
• Canadian research shows input-only programs still need some accuracy focus at the right time
Submit your questions about proficiency, grammar, or creating communicative classroom environments through this link: https://airtable.com/appOp9IY7Ah77oYup/pagpRzuEqAVZgBnrk/form

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Check out the ACTFL Levels Series episodes here:

Novice Low: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318898/episodes/15045273

Novice Mid: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318898/episodes/15045294

Novice High: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318898/episodes/15152805

Intermediate Low: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318898/episodes/15827515

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Submit your questions about proficiency, grammar, or creating communicative classroom environments through this link: https://airtable.com/appOp9IY7Ah77oYup/pagpRzuEqAVZgBnrk/form

and I'll answer them on the show!

Chapters

1. Welcome to Practical Proficiency (00:00:00)

2. Grammar's Proper Place in Language Learning (00:03:42)

3. Strategy 1: Pop-Up Grammar Explained (00:07:08)

4. Strategy 2: Inductive Grammar Approach (00:17:41)

5. Strategy 3: Three-Week Grammar Bootcamp (00:22:27)

6. Functional Chunks: The Mindset Shift (00:26:10)

7. Accuracy's Role in Language Acquisition (00:30:48)

43 episodes

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