Grammar

I think grammar is something that is important to teach, especially to second language students. But, I also believe there are wrong ways of teaching grammar. To me, a strict by the book grammar approach could discourage learners, and make them always want to focus on using correct forms with precision. However, I also believe grammar can be learned naturally through more communicative based activities. I do agree with the book that having a good grammar foundation allows for continual structure and improvement of the language. What I do find irritating about grammar is that many native English speakers even have problems communicating in what is deemed 'correct' grammar, or 'incorrect' grammar. It is merely a prescriptive issue rather than a descriptive one. Another thing I have noticed is that teachers of grammar throughout high schools continually do it wrong; they teach it because it is there and do not give reasons for why grammar should be learned. If this is a gap to native speakers, it is certainly a gap for second language learners of English.