"Also: Can we give students a theoretical structure in which to hang 
grammar as they learn it?  If so, what seems to work best, in your 
experience?"

Here is an interesting article by Peter Kratzke, who provides us
with a theoretical approach:

http://rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/dec2273.htm

His contention is that grammar and punctuation can be best
understood by mastering four basic principles: (1) A functional
sense of the parts of speech, (2) The integrity of the clause,
(3) Ellipsis, and (4) Restriction.

        Ben Varner
University of Northern Colorado

To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/