A Case Study Of The Problems And Countermeasures In English Grammar Teaching In Normal College

Grammar teaching is one of the most controversial issues in foreign language teaching. The Grammar-translation Method was once popular in English teaching in China. The approach laid too much emphasis on grammar teaching and neglected students' cultivation of language competence. Many students were expert in grammar but couldn't communicate well in English so that they weren't suitable for the demands of society. Nowadays, the Communicative Approach is widely used in English teaching in China, and people begin to overlook or even give up grammar teaching in the extremes. As a result, though their oral ability has improved, students' grammar competence has declined in communication. As we all know, grammar teaching is the most important constituent and the main means to cultivate students' language competence in foreign language teaching. We mustn't give up grammar teaching in English teaching. English Grammar is a major course during the elementary period in normal college and it plays an important role in students' major study and their future career. How to find efficient ways to conform to the general conditions of China in English grammar teaching is a problem for English teachers of normal college in the new situation of foreign language teaching.In the essay, the author first recalls the history of grammar teaching in foreign languages in and out of China and explores people's different viewpoints on language and grammar teaching in different periods. Next, from the two aspects of language learning and demands of students' future occupations, he clarifies the importance and necessity of grammar teaching in English major of normal college and puts forward the principles and methods of grammar teaching. Then, he points out and analyzes the problems of teachers and students' misunderstanding of grammar teaching and learning, lack of teaching periods, no good coursebook and teachers' outdated teaching methods and students' weakness in grammar.According to the analyses of the problems in English teaching of normal college, the author puts forward a series of reform measures and carries them out in his teaching. Firstly, cultivating students' awareness of grammar learning to motivate their enthusiasm and initiative in study. Secondly, using the textbook feasibly according to the students' foundation of grammar, adding, abridging, adjusting and conforming teaching contents creatively. Thirdly, reforming the teaching techniques, e.g. teaching grammar in pragmatic, contextual, and textual aspects, and applying modern teaching technology, to cultivate students' pragmatic awareness, comprehensive language competence, and study interest. Fourthly, developing students' autonomy. Finally, reforming the means of evaluation of grammar teaching to fire the students with enthusiasm for study.Through the countermeasures above, the author has found that most of the students have become more interested in English grammar, gained more knowledge of grammar, and become more efficient in language learning. They have become more satisfied with the reform of grammar teaching, which proves that the reform of grammar teaching is successful.