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"The desire to write grows with writing".  -Erasmus

This site provides examples of the two approaches ENGL-097 Faculty have used to address grammar issues in the classroom:  the Constructivists' approach and the Traditionalists' approach.  The Constructivists' approach  teaches grammar in the context of student writing. That is, students address grammar issues as they occur in their own writing.   An explanation of the Constructivists' approach can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate link.  The Traditionalists' approach relies on tried, but not necessarily true approaches to grammar such as quizzes and textbook exercises situated outside of student writing.  For those who rely on this method, we have included a bank of exercises that address a variety of grammatical issues our students have grappled with in the past.  To determine the best method for addressing grammar with your students, see the results of our Grammar Study for Fall 2000.  

The Constructivist Approach to Teaching Grammar

Exercises for The Traditional Approach to Teaching Grammar

• Combining sentences      
• Fragments
• Comma splices and run-ons
• Word choice and tone
• Apostrophes
• Subject/Verb agreement
• Faulty parallelism