Grammar Practice Progression Analysis by Rob Jenkins Staci

Grammar Practice Progression Analysis by: Rob Jenkins Staci 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 will act as a guide to write and edit future manuscript.

Activity Characteristics Mechanical No Production Fluency Complete Production Meaningful Accuracy Exercises or activities have three characteristics. Activity progression usually starts at the lower end of each chart.

Activity Characteristics Mechanical NOTE: No Production Fluency Complete Production Meaningful Accuracy 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.

MEANING PROGRESSION Meaningful 4. Meaningful (doesn’t have to be personal) Complete the VENN diagram based on smoking risks. Write a paragraph about your opinion regarding… 3. Mostly Meaningful Complete the sentences based on information from the chart. 2. Mostly Mechanical (little to no meaning necessary) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the be verb. 1. Mechanical (no meaning necessary) Underline the be verb. Mechanical Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary.

PRODUCTION PROGRESSION Production Complete Production 4. Complete Production Write a paragraph /essay. Discuss the pictures with a partner. 3. More Production Write sentences. Answer with complete sentences. 2. Minimal Production Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the be verb. Answer with short answers only. No Production 1. No Production (recognition exercises) Underline the be verb. Listen (no task)…. We should not have these. Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary.

FLUENCY PROGRESSION Fluency 4. Fluency (Communicative/Personal) Discuss your opinion with a partner. 3. Independent Expression Answer the questions in your own words. Write your ideas about… 2. Productive Accuracy Fill in the blanks. . . Write sentences with words provided. Practice the dialog with new information provided. Accuracy 1. Accuracy Copy. Activities should progress in a lesson; however, each level is not necessary. You may not need to start at #1.

Activity Progression Represents the same activity in all three charts. Meaning Mechanical No Production Fluency Complete Production Meaningful Accuracy The same activity may be in different places along the three continuums

Activity Progression YES! Complete Production Fluency Mechanical No Production Fluency Meaning Production Meaningful YES! Accuracy However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

OR YES! Complete Production Fluency Mechanical No Production Fluency Meaning Production Meaningful Accuracy However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

NOT NO! YES! Complete Production Fluency Mechanical No Production Fluency Meaning Production Meaningful YES! Accuracy However, the next activity cannot regress in any one continuum.

Use It! Mechanical No Production Fluency Complete Production Meaningful Accuracy “Use It” activities must be meaningful. They don’t have to be completely productive or fluent.

Live It! Mechanical No Production Fluency Complete Production Meaningful Accuracy “Live It” activities must be meaningful, completely fluent, and productive.

All three characteristics work together. There is often overlap. Fluency Production Meaning All Work Together