Eduard,
   I think recent posts have been very much pro grammar, so I'm curious
about what you are referring to. On the other hand, I think you seem
reluctant to advocate trying to teach a more accurate (admittedly more
complex) grammar. What I see on the list more often than not is the
kind of post that says "students can't learn this" or "they don't need
to know this." The scope and sequence project, as we have envisioned it
all along, is counter to that prevailing minimalist approach. We
believe students can learn the truth about language and that those
truths are very rich, interesting, and useful. >

Craig


Hello, all!
>
> This is supposed to be a "grammar lovers" forum, right? But why are
> so many post on this list from people who atack grammar and state
> that teaching grammar does not make sense, and makes no difference in
> writing? The explanation appears to be quite simple: these people do
> not like grammar, do not understand grammar, and do not want to teach
> grammar. Their posts indicate that they are fighting as hard as they
> can to avoid the inevitable.
>
> Of course, grammar cannot cause any improvement in student writing if
> those who "teach" it have no idea what grammar is and how to teach it.
> What role model, or inspiration can a teacher who fumbles around and
> is in confusion about grammar could be for students? I had a few of
> such teachers and instructors, and often I had to teach them myself
> what they needed to know in order to qualify for teaching.
>
> If I did not like grammar I would not bother to be on this list. What
> for? To read again and again about others love and I hate? Part of
> the endless harangue in the forum is caused by the situation I have
> just described, people who love grammar fighting with people who hate
> it. In the meantime, some people do the quiet and unrewarded work of
> teaching their students Standard English in spite of the attacks on
> them and the displeasure of the grammar haters.
>
> Eduard
>
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