Is Grammar Still Important Learning the English Language on Tertiary Level? The Analysis of Students’ Attitude

Ramunė Vitalija Ilgūnaitienė

doi:10.30560/ilr.v4n2p1

Abstract

Lecturers of Vytautas Magnus University Institute of Foreign Languages have noticed that students’ English grammar comprehension as well as their interest and motivation for learning it have dropped significantly. It was decided to carry out the research and find the answers to the topical questions. Do students thoroughly understand the importance of grammar in language acquisition context? What are the factors predisposing the diminishing value of grammar? What is the students’ insight into the grammar teaching/ learning process in level C1? The questionnaire was compiled and on the basis of a comparative – quantitative method the conclusions were drawn that students do not think that grammar plays an important role in learning the English language, they suppose that their grammar competence is sufficient to be fluent in English, thus, there is no need to continue learning grammar in level C1. If we do not make an attempt to solve this problem, it might lead to a dangerous outcome- the level of the English language proficiency may fall down drastically.

Highlights

When the processes of globalization and Euro integration are increasingly setting in the English language has become one of the most important factors enabling young people to find a suitable position in the local and foreign labour markets
In the process of teaching/learning the English language, we concentrate on several basic competencies that are crucial for acquiring the overall language proficiency
The chart shows that 100% of the respondents have constant exposure to the English language, 100% understand native speakers /foreigners, 100% are understood by native speakers /foreigners, 89,9% gained enough knowledge at high school, 85,8% learned grammar in levels A1-B2 at university, 66,4% think that grammar is not the most important competence, 34,3% passed the state examination with high score, 19,8% lived in a foreign country.-all these factors, according to the respondents, prove that they are proficient in English, their grammar accuracy is sufficient

Summary

Introduction

When the processes of globalization and Euro integration are increasingly setting in the English language has become one of the most important factors enabling young people to find a suitable position in the local and foreign labour markets. It is vital for pursuing education in foreign universities, accessing the latest scientific discoveries, communicating with people on a worldwide scale and, becoming an educated member of the international community. Members of the younger generation are exposed to English from an early age - in kindergarten, school, while playing computer games, interacting with peers They understand it and are well understood by foreigners. The questionnaire was compiled and the authors having analysed the data obtained from 268 students of three last semesters have drawn ilr.ideasspread.org

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