An Exploration of Teachers ' Beliefs and Classroom Practices in Grammar Instruction
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore English language teachers'
beliefs about grammar instruction and classroom practices in government
secondary schools in Addis Ababa. To attain this objective, based on
survey method, four secondary schools were selected for the study. With
this respect, English teachers of these schools were involved as subjects
for data collection.
The data gathering instruments employed in the study were questionnaire,
classroom observation and interview. The data obtained through the
questionnaire were analyzed and discussed quantitatively whereas the
data obtained through the classroom observation and the interview were
analyzed and described qualitatively.
The results of the study revealed that most English teachers believed
about the importance of grammar to language teaching, and they believed
in paying greater attention to the pedagogical grammar teaching strategies
proposed by research scholars. However, the result also showed that their
perceived pedagogical beliefs were not practiced in the classrooms in most
cases. The reason for this was time factors, problem of textbook
syllabuses, bad classroom environment and lack of students' interest, lack
of facilities and lacl<; of students' language competence.
Finally, recommendations were made based on the results of the study.
The points of the recommendation include: teacher education programmes
should attempt to link teachers' p ersonal pedagogical knowledge with
empirical knowledge by introducing a course on pedagogical grammar;
schools need to ensure teaching related facilities by establishing
col/abor'ative network with higher educations and non-governmental
organizations (NGOS), and teachers and their colleagues should discuss
each other to alleviate the challenges and worsening problems of English
teachers.
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An Exploration of Teachers