English Grammar: Views of Student Teachers and Communication of Grammar to Their Students (original) (raw)

The study investigates and compares the views and actual classroom practices of student teachers with regard to grammar teaching. Attempts were made to explore the relationship between student teachers' thoughts on grammar and their actions (i.e. the methods, techniques, activities, and resources) in the classroom while communicating grammar points to their students. For the purpose of the study, thirty student teachers teaching at secondary and higher secondary levels were selected purposively from three campuses, namely Mahendra Ratna Campus (Tahachal), University Campus (Kirtipur) and Sanothimi Campus (Bhaktapur). The study adopted the mixed methodology of questionnaire survey and classroom observation. The collected data were presented under different thematic headings and analyzed with the help of simple statistics and description. The findings suggest that grammar was felt to be an integral component of ESL/EFL teacher courses, and the grammar course prescribed for the students enrolled in the Master of education (M Ed) first year English program was found to be relevant, its course materials were perceived to be useful and its contribution to the student teachers' teaching career was highly valued. However, the study found the lack of congruence between the student teachers' views on grammar and grammar teaching, and their actual classroom practices in the areas such as methods, techniques, resources and activities.