The Effectiveness of Teaching Traditional Grammar on Writing Compostion at the High School Level
Graduation Date
Spring 2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madeliene Peters, EdD
Abstract
Traditional grammar instruction is a challenging element of the English curriculum; both students and teachers struggle with the rules and dull nature of grammar. However, understanding grammar is important because students need to understand the language they speak in order to be effective communicators, and teachers provide grammar instruction with the express purpose of improving students’ writing.
The problem lies in the method of instruction; does traditional grammar instruction improve the quality of students’ writing? This study examines the effectiveness of traditional grammar instruction on improving the quality of students’ writing. Earlier studies conclude that traditional grammar instruction has little to no effect on composition. The findings parallel the previous research, and the English community needs to reevaluate their pedagogical approach to grammar instruction.