Should I teach grammar in English or Japanese?
This is a complicated question because the answer depends on many variables:
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the teacher’s knowledge of grammar in English
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the complexity of the grammar concept
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the teacher’s relationship with students
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the support of the parents and principal
Sometimes a teacher learned the grammatical expressions in Japanese and thus may have to learn the precise grammatical terminology in English.
The complexity of the grammar concept
Some grammar concepts can be easily taught in English (e.g. plural or This is~ These are~) whereas others may best be understood by students using at least some Japanese (e.g. gerunds, infinitive).
The teacher’s relationship with students
Students may feel frustrated trying to learn the new grammar concept in English. If the frustration grows too great the relationship between the teacher and students will suffer so the teacher must keep this factor in mind in deciding IF any grammar will be taught in English or which concepts could be taught in English and which ones might need attention in Japanese.
The support of the parents and principal
When a teacher begins to use English as the primary language of instruction in the classroom the students may be surprised, uncomfortable and even frustrated. Some may return home and complain to their parents who naturally then call the school principal with their concerns. Thus, it is important for the trio of teacher, principal and parents to all share the same values as to what is best for the students. It may take many discussions explaining the value to reach consensus, but this is time well spent in the long run. Some schools have negotiated an agreement to give the teacher and students 6 weeks of using mostly English in the classroom to see if the comfort level of students has improved.
Although there has not been research comparing the examination results of students whose teachers use mostly English with those whose teachers use mostly Japanese, there are many anecdotal stories that show advantages of students whose teachers use mostly English:
- students believe that they have a chance to learn English because they see that their Japanese teacher can use both English and Japanese
- students develop a more positive attitude toward English class and are more motivated to learn (The teacher does not have to deal with so many classroom discipline or management problems!)
- students outperform other students who studied English mainly through Japanese within 1-2 years (a cumulative advantage)
- students internalize English better and realize its potential use as a medium for communication instead of only a subject that requires a high grade to enter high school or university
** The response to this question may apply to teachers in many other countries.
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