Rei R. Noguchi

In this brief book, author Rei R. Noguchi argues that formal grammar instruction should play a subordinate role in writing classrooms. Rather, “higher level” concerns such as developing content and organizing it should dominate. What little grammar instruction is absolutely necessary should be streamlined into a “bare bones” “writer’s grammar,” which mostly consists of techniques to help students identify legitimate English sentences and their boundaries (as opposed to show more fragments, comma splices, and other errors).

Noguchi’s methods place a lot of emphasis in writers’ intrinsic, unconscious knowledge of their native language. I don’t know that I share that faith. I would like to know what instructors who have put Noguchi’s strategies into practice think about his approach. show less

The best and most realistic book I know for English teachers about how, when, and whether to teach grammar.