Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teaching-common-grammar-mistakes
As an English as a Second Language (ESL) educator, I’m always on the lookout for resources that can refine my teaching methods and address the persistent challenges my students face. Coursera’s “Teaching Tips for Tricky English Grammar” course, part of the “Learn English: Intermediate Grammar” specialization, has been an absolute game-changer. While not an introductory teaching course, it dives deep into the specific grammatical hurdles that intermediate learners often stumble over, offering practical solutions and engaging teaching strategies.
The course is structured logically, dedicating each week to a distinct area of often-confusing grammar. We began with an in-depth look at teaching nouns, articles, and quantifiers. The explanations provided were crystal clear, demystifying the often-arbitrary rules surrounding ‘a,’ ‘the,’ and the absence of an article. The opportunity to create a lesson and demonstrate teaching skills through a video submission was invaluable, allowing me to immediately apply what I learned.
The subsequent modules tackled gerunds, infinitives, and the nuances of requests and permission using modals. These are areas where even advanced learners can falter, and the course offered fresh perspectives on how to present these concepts effectively. The focus on common student errors and why they occur was particularly insightful, enabling me to anticipate and preempt difficulties.
Week four focused on confusing word forms, another area that often trips up students. The course provided practical activities to help learners distinguish between similar-looking or sounding words. The second video submission, demonstrating ‘teacher talk’ in this context, further solidified my understanding and delivery.
Finally, the course concluded with a crucial module on phrasal verbs and collocations. These elements are vital for natural-sounding English but notoriously difficult to master. The course equipped me with engaging activities to help students practice and internalize these often-idiomatic expressions.
Overall, “Teaching Tips for Tricky English Grammar” is an exceptional course for any ESL teacher looking to enhance their students’ understanding of intermediate English grammar. The practical applications, clear explanations, and opportunities for skill demonstration make it a highly recommended resource. It provides the tools to not just teach grammar, but to teach it in a way that empowers students to overcome their confusions and achieve fluency.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teaching-common-grammar-mistakes