Focus on Grammar examines the teaching of grammar in language and literacy programs. It explores grammar from theoretical and historical perspectives and offers practical suggestions for teaching.

The eight chapters in the book cover: different perspectives on grammar and different ways of knowing grammar

issues around the idea of standard language and the characteristics of educational grammar the place of grammar in various tea hing approaches

the place of grammar in language programs and why students need to learn grammar as part of their language learning ways of integrating grammar into language and literacy programs

the role of grammar in spoken interactions and the teaching of grammar in relation to speaking and listening

the role of grammar in written language and the teaching of grammar in relation to writing and reading questions commonly asked about the teaching of grammar.

Focus on Grammar invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and practices in teaching grammar through pre‑reading questions, reflective tasks and chapter reviews.

The authors have had many years of experience as teachers, teacher educators and researchers in the f ields of ESL, literacy education, workplace education and applied linguistics. Helen de Silva Joyce is the manager of the New South Wales Adult Migrant English Service, Program Support and Development Services. She also lectures in adult education at the University of Technology, Sydney, Dr Anne Burns is a senior lecturer in Linguistics at Macquarie University and Associate Director of the National Centre for English Language Teaching and Research.