Williams 171-214

The question of whether grammar instruction leads to better writing is to some people a rhetorical one. To these people, it is understood that the knowledge of grammar is vital to making students into better writers. So, why then, is the same grammar drills being given to students throughout their schooling, when it has been shown that these same students are not better writers, nor are they proficient with grammar and usage rules? "We have to examine the enthusiasm with which so many teachers engage students in grammar drills and exercises that also are quickly forgotten." (pg. 177) If grammar is so important then why not dispense with the boring drills and worksheets that students will forget as soon as they are completed? Any lesson that is given in isolation from anything useful it may pertain to is a lesson that will probably not be remembered for any length of time. Students need to be engaged while learning things that matter to them. One idea could be brining in age appropriate media for them to critique for grammar and usage errors. This method may be a way to teach grammar and usage minus the boredom. The lessons could be humorous, engaging and useful to students, who will become animated participants instead of mute observers, pretending to listen to boring lectures, while sneaking peeks at the time waiting for class to be over. More importantly, these engaging lessons may stick with the student for much longer than a fill-in-the-blank grammar and usage worksheet. The students will also see that usage errors are made by everyone, not just them, which will help their confidence levels soar.