“Grammar in the Writing Center: Opportunities for Discovery and Change” ~Carl W. Glover and Byron L. Stay.
Proper grammar skills are essential to succeeding in the world. The authors, Glover and Stay state, “limited English skills limit opportunity, good grammar and diction, correct usage and pronunciation help our graduates achieve success in college courses, in job interviews, and in business and social situations.” There are too many young people out there who lack the basic correct grammar skills especially children who live in the disadvantaged parts of the country and especially the inter-cities. And it does not help that words such as “Ain’t” is in the dictionary making it appear to be acceptable to use not only in everyday conversations but in formal settings as well.
It does not help that there are songs such as “If I ain’t got you”, “Girls dem sugar”, “The Way I are”, and “Ayer” are in the mainstream media right now. And with the main audience being young children it’s no wonder the youths are confused the proper grammar. According to the article, “Grammar has taken a back seat to the “making of meaning”, audience and occasion.” Rap lyrics; some have powerful meanings but with the sources of the messages being coded with improper grammar the youths are not exposed to the basics. It’s is like what Eminem says in his song, Sing for the Moment: “it’s like these kids hang on every single statement we make…but all their kids be listen'n to me religiously…idolize their favorite rappers and know all they songs.” Because these children spend their free time listening to these people and idolizing them it is possible that they not only will follow their examples in their songs but they will also speak incorrectly. It is more evident for the children who are at a disadvantage in overcrowded schools and classroom where teachers do not have the ability to spend the ideal amount of time on their students.
Sometimes we just need to go back to days of childhood when we say in front of the television on Saturday mornings and watch school house of rock. This lesson is on basic grammar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGN_NxKIIFM&feature=related
Glover and Stay stress that when you learn how to write well it enhances the personal development and growth of the person. And when it is taught effectively it can be used as a tool of empowerment. We as people have a great impact on the world and our peers because of our words, they are our most powerful tools that we have access to and do not even need a bag to carry them. When this tool is properly developed and enhanced more people take us seriously and believe in our words especially when we believe in them. It is our jobs as a writer tutor to show our tutees that even if they do not believe in what they are writing, their voice still counts for something so they should apply as much effort and thought into any assignment. If they disagree with the prompt, they have to write to do so and articulate their views with power, and proper grammar. And if done correctly they may even be able to sway the professor and their other peers to their side or at least gained their respect.
Glover and Stay also stress that is important to not only have the ability to use proper grammar because of empowerment but it also “informs student-teacher relationships because students can be victimized when they fail to be seen as partners in the learning process.” With good grammar you will be taken seriously, it is essential for professional relationships.”
Proper grammar skills are essential to succeeding in the world. The authors, Glover and Stay state, “limited English skills limit opportunity, good grammar and diction, correct usage and pronunciation help our graduates achieve success in college courses, in job interviews, and in business and social situations.” There are too many young people out there who lack the basic correct grammar skills especially children who live in the disadvantaged parts of the country and especially the inter-cities. And it does not help that words such as “Ain’t” is in the dictionary making it appear to be acceptable to use not only in everyday conversations but in formal settings as well.
It does not help that there are songs such as “If I ain’t got you”, “Girls dem sugar”, “The Way I are”, and “Ayer” are in the mainstream media right now. And with the main audience being young children it’s no wonder the youths are confused the proper grammar. According to the article, “Grammar has taken a back seat to the “making of meaning”, audience and occasion.” Rap lyrics; some have powerful meanings but with the sources of the messages being coded with improper grammar the youths are not exposed to the basics. It’s is like what Eminem says in his song, Sing for the Moment: “it’s like these kids hang on every single statement we make…but all their kids be listen'n to me religiously…idolize their favorite rappers and know all they songs.” Because these children spend their free time listening to these people and idolizing them it is possible that they not only will follow their examples in their songs but they will also speak incorrectly. It is more evident for the children who are at a disadvantage in overcrowded schools and classroom where teachers do not have the ability to spend the ideal amount of time on their students.
Sometimes we just need to go back to days of childhood when we say in front of the television on Saturday mornings and watch school house of rock. This lesson is on basic grammar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGN_NxKIIFM&feature=related
Glover and Stay stress that when you learn how to write well it enhances the personal development and growth of the person. And when it is taught effectively it can be used as a tool of empowerment. We as people have a great impact on the world and our peers because of our words, they are our most powerful tools that we have access to and do not even need a bag to carry them. When this tool is properly developed and enhanced more people take us seriously and believe in our words especially when we believe in them. It is our jobs as a writer tutor to show our tutees that even if they do not believe in what they are writing, their voice still counts for something so they should apply as much effort and thought into any assignment. If they disagree with the prompt, they have to write to do so and articulate their views with power, and proper grammar. And if done correctly they may even be able to sway the professor and their other peers to their side or at least gained their respect.
Glover and Stay also stress that is important to not only have the ability to use proper grammar because of empowerment but it also “informs student-teacher relationships because students can be victimized when they fail to be seen as partners in the learning process.” With good grammar you will be taken seriously, it is essential for professional relationships.”
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