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a. Definition of Grammar
Before going to know the principles of teaching grammar in learning English, it will be better to have some definitions of what grammar is about.
Richard et al. 1985 as cited in Nunan 2003: 154 define that grammar is a description of the structure of a language and the way in which units such as
words and phrases are combined to produce sentences in the language. Besides, Joyce Burns 1999: 4-5 also define that grammar is essentially about the
systems and patterns that are used to select and combine words.
b. Principles of Teaching Grammar
Nunan 2003: 158-160 states that there are three principles for teaching grammar. They are integrating both inductive and deductive methods, using tasks
that make clear the relationship between grammatical form and communicative function, and focusing on the development of procedural rather than declarative
knowledge.
1 Integrating both Inductive and Deductive Approaches
According to Nunan 2003: 158, the teacher uses the deductive and inductive approaches absolutely in teaching grammar. In inductive approach, the
teacher teaches the lesson from an example to grammatical point in the learning process and then the teacher is going to give an exercise to help the students in
mastering grammatical rules. On the contrary, in deductive approach, the teacher gives the lesson by teaching a grammatical point and giving some examples. It
also allows the students to do exercises in order to master grammar. Therefore, by
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applying the inductive or deductive approach, the students will find it easier in learning grammar.
2 Using Tasks that Make Clear the Relationship between Grammatical
Form and Communicative Function
In this principle, the teacher has to give students the tasks related to grammatical form as much as possible in order to make students accustomed to
learning grammar. On the other hand, Nunan 2003: 159 states that however, it is expected that grammar tasks given by the teacher do not only focus on
grammatical form but also are able to be related to the communicative context. In other words, grammar is used in a context which shows the correlation between
communicative function and grammatical form as clear as possible.
3 Focusing on the Development of Procedural rather than Declarative
Knowledge
Declarative knowledge means knowing language rules, whereas procedural knowledge means being able to use the knowledge for communication
as stated by Nunan 2003: 160. He also explains that the teacher should focus on the procedural knowledge in order to make the students be able to apply
knowledge which they have in daily conversation in learning grammar. In other words, it is also aimed to help the students in communication.
By looking at the three principles in teaching grammar above, the researcher decides them as guidelines in doing the research. Moreover, those are
helpful principles for the researcher in teaching grammar.
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c. Nature of Grammar
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