Strategies for Teaching Perfect Tenses and Modals

University of California, Irvine via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teaching-verb-tenses-modals

Introduction

### Course Review: Strategies for Teaching Perfect Tenses and Modals #### Overview "Strategies for Teaching Perfect Tenses and Modals" is an engaging and comprehensive course offered by Coursera as part of the Teach English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. This foundational course focuses on the critical aspects of teaching intermediate verb tenses—specifically, the perfect tenses (present perfect, present perfect progressive, past perfect, and past perfect progressive) and common modal verbs in English. Throughout this course, participants are not only exposed to essential theoretical knowledge but are also provided practical opportunities to apply what they learn. Aspiring educators will craft sample assignments and record their teaching demonstrations, enabling them to receive constructive peer feedback. Designed for educators looking to enhance their grammatical instruction, this course presents methods that make learning enjoyable and impactful for students. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome**: The introductory section sets the tone, emphasizing effective teaching strategies for perfect tenses and modals. You'll discover interactive videos and engaging practice activities to aid teaching. Those opting for a certificate can look forward to peer reviews and quizzes, which enhance the learning experience and offer tangible evidence of mastery. 2. **Teaching Present Perfect Simple Tense**: In this module, educators dive into the intricacies of the present perfect tense. Not only will you learn how to form questions and statements, but you will also explore effective teaching activities. A unique aspect is the assignment to submit a video demonstrating your teaching approach, promoting peer-to-peer learning. 3. **Teaching Present Perfect Progressive Tense**: This week tackles the present perfect progressive tense, focusing on common challenges students face with this concept. The course offers tips and activities to support teaching, including the submission of a teaching demonstration video for feedback. This practical component helps refine teaching techniques in real classroom scenarios. 4. **Teaching the Past Perfect and Past Perfect Progressive Tenses**: Educators will learn strategies to introduce the past perfect and past perfect progressive tenses, which, while less frequently used, are key for higher-level proficiency. The course emphasizes simplifying complex grammar points and includes more opportunities to submit teaching demonstration videos for critique. 5. **Teaching Modals**: The concluding week centers on modal verbs, which pose their own set of challenges due to their varied meanings and usages. Educators are equipped with tools and methods to teach modals effectively. Additionally, a peer feedback exercise for a teaching demonstration helps participants further develop their instructional skills. #### Recommendations This course comes highly recommended for anyone involved in teaching English, from novice educators to experienced teachers seeking to refine their grammar instruction. The structured format, inclusive peer review sessions, and practical assignments make it an excellent resource for professional growth. **Pros**: - Clear, step-by-step approach tailored for teaching complex topics. - Interactive elements that encourage application of knowledge. - Valuable peer feedback, enhancing the learning experience. **Cons**: - Some may find the focus on tenses and modals a bit narrow if they are seeking a broader teaching methodology. - Requires a time commitment to fully engage with video assignments and peer reviews. #### Conclusion In summary, "Strategies for Teaching Perfect Tenses and Modals" is a valuable addition to any English teacher's toolkit. It empowers educators to teach complex grammatical structures with confidence and creativity while ensuring student engagement. If you are looking to improve your teaching methods and ensure your students grasp intermediate grammar effectively, this course is certainly worth considering.

Syllabus

Welcome

Welcome to the first course in the Teach English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. This course will show you effective methods for teaching the perfect verb tenses and modals. You will learn how to use the fun videos and practice activities from our Intermediate Grammar specialization to teach your students in a fun way. If you have paid for the certificate for this course, you will also be able to participate in peer reviews to help you learn. To earn a certificate, you must pass several quizzes and assignments.

Teaching Present Perfect Simple Tense

This week, you will learn about teaching the present perfect verb tense. You will learn to teach this tense to form questions, answers, and statements. You'll also review the uses of present perfect tense. Finally, you'll learn some new activities to use when teaching this grammar. To benefit from learning with others, you will submit a video of yourself demonstrating how to explain an activity to students.

Teaching Present Perfect Progressive Tense

This week, you will learn about teaching the present perfect progressive tense. You'll learn what's difficult about teaching this tense and some tips for helping your students master it. Again, you'll get access to videos and activities to use when teaching your own students. To benefit from learning with others, you will submit a video of yourself demonstrating how to explain an activity to students.

Teaching the Past Perfect and Past Perfect Progressive Tenses

This week, you will learn about teaching two more verb tenses: the past perfect and the past perfect progressive. These are used less often than other tenses but still necessary for students to learn. Here, you'll learn some ways to make this grammar easier for students to learn. You'll also learn some more useful activities to use with your students. For more practice, you will be able to submit a video of yourself demonstrating teacher talk.

Teaching Modals

In this last week, you'll learn about teaching modals. This can be challenging grammar for students because there are lots of different modals, and many of them have multiple meanings. You will learn some tips for teaching this grammar and making it easier for your students. You will get one more opportunity to practice teacher talk and get feedback from your peers.