Navigating Grammar Lessons

In the dynamic landscape of ESL teaching, grammar lessons play a pivotal role in shaping language proficiency. As educators, we understand the significance of striking the right balance between structure and creativity. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between controlled, less-controlled, and freer practices in grammar lessons, shedding light on how each approach contributes to a well-rounded language learning experience.

Controlled Practice: Laying the Foundation

Controlled practice is the initial phase of introducing a new grammatical concept. During this stage, learners are guided through structured exercises that allow them to grasp the fundamental rules of the grammar point. Controlled practice involves:

• Guided activities: These activities are meticulously designed to reinforce specific language patterns. They often include fill-in-the-blank exercises, matching tasks, or rearranging jumbled sentences.
• Focused correction: Teachers provide immediate feedback, correcting errors and clarifying doubts. This level of support ensures that learners internalize correct structures from the outset.

Controlled practice acts as the bedrock upon which language learners build their understanding of grammar concepts.

Less-Controlled Practice: Nurturing Independence

Once students have a solid grasp of the grammar concept, less-controlled practice comes into play. This phase encourages learners to apply the newly acquired knowledge in slightly more open-ended activities. Less-controlled practice entails:

• Structured tasks: These tasks present real-life scenarios where students are required to use the grammar in context. It could involve composing sentences, short paragraphs, or dialogues.
• Increased autonomy: Learners are given more freedom to express themselves, fostering confidence in their language skills. While errors might still occur, they serve as opportunities for further learning.

Less-controlled practice strikes a balance between structured learning and the creative application of grammar rules.

Freer Practice: Unleashing Creativity

As learners become more proficient, freer practice encourages them to communicate fluently and creatively. This stage promotes authentic language use and encourages students to think on their feet. Freer practice includes:

• Open-ended activities: Students engage in discussions, debates, role-plays, or presentations where the grammar concept is integrated naturally.
• Natural language flow: Learners focus on effective communication rather than meticulous grammar accuracy. Fluency takes precedence over perfection.

Freer practice empowers learners to use grammar organically, enabling them to navigate real-world situations with confidence.

In conclusion, balancing controlled, less-controlled, and freer practices in grammar lessons ensures a holistic language learning journey. Controlled practice lays a strong foundation, less-controlled practice nurtures independence, and freer practice fosters authentic communication. 

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In this resource you will find a visual and concise guide of the twelve basic tenses in English.

The twelve tenses included in this guide are:

Past simple

Present simple

Future simple (will)

Past continuous

Present continuous

Future continuous (will)

Past perfect

Present perfect

Future perfect

Past perfect continuous

Present perfect continuous

Future perfect continuous

Each tense includes the uses and forms (affirmative, negative, & interrogative) as well as a timeline and graphic examples. In some tenses, you can find the most common mistakes of usage.

It also includes grammar worksheets with 5 different exercises of the tenses.

This resource is ideal for both teachers and students (intermediate and upper-intermediate) who want to have a clear and effective grammar reference guide.