Explicit Group
Explicit Group
1. While communicative approaches are valuable, they often don't lead to high levels of
accuracy and fluency in language use. Explicit grammar instruction helps learners
develop a solid foundation in grammatical rules, which ultimately leads to better
communication.[R. Ellis, 1994, 2001a, 2001b), (N. Ellis, 1995), and Larsen-Freeman and
Long, 1991)]
2. Skill acquisition theories claim that learning is a movement from declarative knowledge
to procedural knowledge. Hence, in order to produce a language and take control of it,
students first learn the new target rules and structures. (Jessah)
4. Explicit grammar instruction is not only beneficial for accuracy but also for overall
language proficiency. By providing learners with a strong basis in grammar, explicit
instruction can enhance their ability to communicate effectively in the target language.
As stated by Larsen-Freeman (2001), "A communicative model of grammar teaching
should include three dimensions: form/structure, meaning/semantics, and use/pragmatics"
(p. 255). Explicit instruction can help learners to develop a balanced language
proficiency, which is essential for effective communication
6. Teaching grammar explicitly has lots of advantages for students’ development not just
grammar but also different aspects of language. Nassaji and Fotos (2004) explain one of
the effects by saying that students will probably remember the form of that grammar
structure for a longer time if the students do enough communicative activities with that
grammar structure.
7. Explicit grammar instruction provides clear explanations of rules and structures, making
it easier for learners to understand the underlying principles of the language. This can be
particularly helpful for learners who are struggling to grasp the nuances of grammar.
8. Research supports the effectiveness of explicit grammatical instruction. Studies have
shown that students who receive for-focused instruction demonstrate higher accuracy and
quicker progress in acquiring complex grammatical structures. Ex: meta analysis by
norris and ortega show that explicit instruction leads to significant improvements in target
language structures that are sustained over time
Arguments only
1st Affirmative Speaker:
Definition:
We define the topic as the structured teaching of grammar in English classrooms, which involves
explicitly explaining the rules and principles governing language use. "Grammar" refers to the
system and structure of a language, including syntax (the arrangement of words) and morphology
(the formation of words). This explicit instruction aims to enhance learners' accuracy and fluency
in communication by providing them with a solid foundation in the language's rules.
Argument:
Explicit grammar instruction provides learners with a solid understanding of grammatical rules,
which enhances their ability to communicate effectively. A strong foundation in grammar leads
to greater accuracy and fluency in language use (R. Ellis, 1994).
2nd Affirmative Speaker: According to skill acquisition theories, language learning progresses
from declarative knowledge (understanding rules) to procedural knowledge (applying rules).
Explicit instruction facilitates this transition, allowing students to take control of the language
they learn (Anderson, 1982).
Reason: Explicit grammar instruction provides learners with clear explanations and structured
practice opportunities, enabling them to understand the underlying rules of the language. This
understanding is crucial for moving from declarative knowledge—where students can recognize
and recall rules—to procedural knowledge, where they can apply these rules in real-time
communication. By practicing these rules in various contexts, students gradually gain confidence
and fluency, allowing them to use the language more effectively in everyday situations.
3rd Affirmative Speaker: Explicit grammar instruction allows for the breakdown of complex
concepts into manageable parts, enabling targeted practice. This structure also provides
opportunities for immediate feedback, which is crucial for correcting misunderstandings and
reinforcing learning (Krashen, 1982).
Reason: This makes it easier for learners to grasp difficult material. Additionally, the focus on
targeted practice allows students to hone specific skills, while immediate feedback helps address
misunderstandings promptly. This combination fosters a deeper understanding and retention of
grammatical rules, reinforcing overall language competence, as highlighted by Krashen's
emphasis on the importance of feedback in language acquisition.
4th Affirmative Speaker: Effective grammar teaching encompasses form, meaning, and use,
leading to balanced language proficiency. This approach, as suggested by Larsen-Freeman,
equips learners with the tools to navigate different contexts of communication effectively
(Larsen-Freeman, 2001).
Reason: Explicit grammar instruction is not only beneficial for accuracy but also for overall
language proficiency. By providing learners with a strong basis in grammar, explicit instruction
can enhance their ability to communicate effectively in the target language. A balanced approach
to grammar teaching, as proposed by Larsen-Freeman, is essential for equipping learners with
the tools to navigate different contexts of communication effectively. By focusing on form,
meaning, and use, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of language,
leading to improved language proficiency, enhanced communication skills, increased confidence,
and better adaptability.
5th Affirmative Speaker: Cognitive learning theories suggest that explicit knowledge can
become implicit knowledge through practice. By explicitly teaching grammar, learners
internalize rules, enabling them to use the language more fluently and automatically over time
(Anderson, 1983).
Reason: Cognitive learning theories, particularly Anderson’s (1983), demonstrate that explicit
knowledge is foundational to the development of implicit knowledge through repeated practice.
Teaching grammar explicitly equips learners with a concrete understanding of language rules,
which, through application, becomes automatic over time. This gradual internalization is critical
for achieving fluency and accuracy in communication. Unlike implicit approaches, which may
leave learners uncertain of linguistic structures, explicit grammar instruction ensures that learners
build a strong grammatical foundation. This foundation is essential for effective language use in
both academic and real-world contexts, making explicit grammar teaching indispensable for
long-term language development.
6th Affirmative Speaker: Research indicates that students who engage in communicative
activities alongside explicit grammar instruction retain grammatical structures longer. This dual
approach reinforces learning and aids in the acquisition of complex grammatical forms (Nassaji
and Fotos, 2004).
Reason: As Nassaji and Fotos (2004) argue, the integration of communicative activities with
explicit grammar instruction creates a powerful learning environment that fosters both
understanding and retention of grammatical structures. This is because communicative activities
provide a practical context for applying learned grammar, allowing students to actively use and
internalize the structures in real-time.
For example, through role-playing, where students can explore the use of conditional clauses in
different scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of their function and application. By
engaging in meaningful communication, students encounter different contexts and nuances of
language use, leading to a more comprehensive grasp of grammatical structures.
Thus, combining communicative activities with explicit grammar instruction creates a powerful
learning environment that fosters both understanding and retention of grammatical structures.
Numerous studies, including a meta-analysis by Norris and Ortega, demonstrate that explicit
grammar instruction leads to significant improvements in language accuracy and proficiency.
Such empirical evidence underscores the necessity of explicit grammar teaching in achieving
high levels of language mastery.
Reason: L2 instructions that focuses on form results in a substantial gain in the target language
and that the gains are sustained overtime.A second language learner can attain higher level of
accuracy through overt presentation and exclusive focus on linguistics forms and grammar rules
given that if learners are developmentally ready it can even turn into acquisition and eventually
attain that fluid-like production of meaningful sentences in the second language, or simply
known as fluency.Conversely, without attention to form, second language learners are in risk of
stagnation and lack of higher level of accuracy mainly because the learners do not have the solid
foundation on grammar to rely on monitoring their linguistic outputs and that all they have been
doing so far is just a mere production of unanalyzed utterances. Explicit grammar instruction is a
vital component in helping learners achieve true fluency and mastery of a second language.