Teaching Grammar in Second Language Classrooms - Practical

In this review of Teaching Grammar in Second Language Classrooms readers get a clear sense of who will benefit most and why the book matters. Aimed squarely at practicing ESL and EFL teachers, the text's biggest asset is its practical integration of form-focused instruction into communicative classroom activities, presented in a readable, non-technical style. The reviewer found the book useful for planning lessons that balance grammar attention and meaningful use, and appreciates the emphasis on current SLA research rather than abstract theory.

Key Features

• Research-grounded guidance: Each option for combining grammar and communication is linked to recent second language acquisition findings so teachers can justify their approach.
• Practical classroom examples: The book provides concrete activities that illustrate how a focus on grammar can be implemented within communicative tasks.
• Accessible presentation: Chapters explain theory and evidence in a readable way that avoids technical jargon, making it easy to apply in real classrooms.
• Reflection prompts: Questions for reflection at the end of chapters help teachers evaluate and adapt the suggested techniques for their context.
• Further resources: Each chapter lists useful additional readings and resources for teachers who want to explore topics in more depth.

Who It's For

This book is best for practicing ESL/EFL teachers, teacher educators, and graduate students who need a practical bridge between SLA research and classroom practice. Those who regularly design lessons and want specific examples of integrating grammar into communicative activities will find direct, usable guidance.

It is less suitable for readers seeking a dense theoretical treatise or a methods-only manual; specialists wanting exhaustive experimental data or statistical analyses should consult primary research reports instead. Still, for most classroom professionals the balance of theory, evidence, and examples is ideal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear presentation of research findings that supports classroom decisions.
• Concrete, ready-to-use activities that demonstrate how to pair grammar practice with communication.
• Useful reflection questions and resource lists for continued learning.

Cons

• Not a substitute for full research articles if readers want exhaustive empirical detail.

Specifications

Title	Teaching Grammar in Second Language Classrooms
Series	ESL & Applied Linguistics Professional Series
Authors	Sandra S. Fotos, Hossein Nassaji
Audience	Second-language teachers, teacher educators, graduate students
Focus	Integrating form-focused instruction with communicative activities
Content per chapter	Description, theory, activities, reflection questions, resource list

Our Verdict

Teaching Grammar in Second Language Classrooms is a practical, research-aware resource that helps teachers design grammar-focused lessons within communicative frameworks. Its readability and classroom examples make it good value for ESL professionals who want actionable techniques supported by current SLA evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include classroom activities?
Yes. Each chapter offers concrete activities that illustrate how to integrate grammar instruction into communicative lessons.

Who wrote the book and why does it matter?
The authors, Sandra S. Fotos and Hossein Nassaji, draw on SLA research to show practical options for focusing on grammar while maintaining meaningful communication.

Is this suitable for novice teachers?
Yes. The readable, non-technical approach and reflection questions make it accessible for teachers early in their careers.