Grammar Practice Progression

Analysis by:Rob JenkinsStaci Johnson

This presentation analyzes a progressive approach to activities within a grammar lesson plan. Many words are used to identify activities that we all may consider interchangeable, but actually seem to manifest subtle differences at least in the eyes of Staci Johnson and Rob Jenkins. We hope that this presentation will clarify the meaning of mechanical, meaningful, production, accuracy, and fluency as we see them, showing the relationship they have with one another. We also hope this this will act as a guide to write and edit future manuscript.

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Activity Characteristics

Exercises or activities have three characteristics. Activity progression usually starts at the lower end of each chart.

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Activity Characteristics

NOTE:

Activities are along a continuum. Except at the bottom or top of the charts, we cannot always say an activity is solely “mechanical” or “meaningful”, of “no production” or “complete production”, “accuracy” building, or “fluency” building.

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Mechanical

Meaningful

MEANING PROGRESSION

1. Mechanical (no meaning necessary)Underline the be verb.

2. Mostly Mechanical (little to no meaning necessary)Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the be verb.

3. Mostly Meaningful Complete the sentences based on information from the chart.

4. Meaningful (doesn’t have to be personal)Complete the VENN diagram based on smoking risks.

Write a paragraph about your opinion regarding…

Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary.

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No Production

Complete Production

PRODUCTION PROGRESSION

1. No Production (recognition exercises)Underline the be verb.Listen (no task)…. We should not have these.

2. Minimal ProductionFill in the blanks with the correct form of the be verb.Answer with short answers only.

3. More ProductionWrite sentences. Answer with complete sentences.

4. Complete ProductionWrite a paragraph /essay.Discuss the pictures with a partner.

Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary.

FLUENCY PROGRESSION

1. Accuracy Copy.

2. Productive AccuracyFill in the blanks... Write sentences with words provided.Practice the dialog with new information provided.

3. Independent ExpressionAnswer the questions in your own words.Write your ideas about…

4. Fluency (Communicative/Personal)Discuss your opinion with a partner.

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Accuracy

Fluency

Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary. You may not need to start at #1.

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Activity Progression

The same activity may be in different places along the three continuums

Represents the same activity in all three charts.

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Activity Progression

However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

YES!YES!YES!

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

OR

However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

YES!YES!YES!

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

NOT

However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

YES!YES!NO!

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Use It!

“Use It” activities must be meaningful. They don’t have to be completely productive or fluent.

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Mechanical No Production Accuracy

Meaningful Complete Production Fluency

Live It!

“Live It” activities must be meaningful, completely fluent, and productive.

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All Work Together

All three characteristics work together. There is often overlap.