Grammar in Theory; Grammar in Practice: Language Use in Culture, Society, and Our Classrooms
Thursday, December 8, 2016 7-8pm EST
This session will explore the ways grammar is positioned in contemporary and historical language use, consider how such grammars can be discussed, implemented, and assessed in student writing instruction, and how such grammatical stances can enrich current writing projects and inspire new ones. Drawing on the work of Constance Weaver, and incorporating the lessons learned from Grammar Alive (Haussamen et al), and other contemporary grammar and language practitioners and theorists, this session will provide tools for teachers of all levels to enrich their discussions of genre, language use, writing, and revision in their classrooms.
Recommended Reading:
- “But Will It Work With Real Students?” by Janet Alsup and Jonathan Bush from Narratives about Teaching Language and Grammar, NCTE
- “The Grammar of Context: Breakfast, Bumper Stickers, and Beyond” by Cheryl Almeda and Jonthan Bush in Grammar Matters
- Grammar to Enrich and Enhance Writing by Constance Weaver and Jonathan Bush
- Grammar Alive: a Guide for Teachers by Brock Haussamen
Dr. Jonathan Bush is a professor of English at Western Michigan University, where he teaches courses in English education, writing pedagogy, and rhetoric and writing studies. He also directs the Third Coast Writing Project and coordinates the developmental writing program. He is the co-developer of the first-year writing intensive initiative, a program that remediates failing first-year students and gives them additional opportunities to success.