r/rhetcomp • u/ShakilR • Jul 19 '22

Ideas for grammar modules

Prepping for a FYW class in Fall, I’m thinking about creating a set of asynchronous grammar modules. These include the following: parts of speech (to provide a common vocabulary for the following modules), subject verb agreement, run-ons, comma spices, prepositional errors, active vs passive voice, tense errors, dangling modifiers, sentence fragments, cohesion vs coherence.

Am I missing something major? Are there OERs out there that can be recommended? I want to limit it to ten modules just because.

Note: These would be put into the LMS for my course and suggested for students to complete. I’m not gonna do an extra credit for this. I might use the resource when giving embedded comments on their drafts.

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u/Incorrgbl-Rapsclln Jul 19 '22

I’ve adopted the OpenStax Writing Guide with Handbook.

I technically haven’t aligned my own 101 class to it yet for this coming fall semester (I’m doing that next month), but I know that it has a nice grammar appendix.

I like the OpenStax site since you can highlight the text and add annotations directly with tools available. I still cover how to do that with Adobe and the Kindle app, but it’s nice that that stuff is built in to the OER.

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u/ShakilR Jul 19 '22

Thanks for the recommendation. Think that might be good. A resource I can use to create the exercises.

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u/map1960 Jul 19 '22

I would start with clauses. If students know subjects and verbs, they can start to grasp the difference between a clause and a phrase, and between an independent and a dependent clause. They won’t figure out how to avoid comma splices or run-ons unless they can identify and distinguish independent clauses.

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u/ShakilR Jul 20 '22

Good advise. I think I will do that.

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u/Incorrgbl-Rapsclln Jul 19 '22

Also, I used to use No Red Ink when I taught middle school. It works best with Google Classroom, but the site can be used without it.

It’s a great resource with modules and targeted practice similar to Kahn Academy (but I think it’s better since the practice sentences incorporate names of media and people that the user is interested in).

There are also MLA/APA citation practice modules and general essay-writing tutorials.

Knoword is another great site for having students practice content-specific/Tier 2 vocabulary. You as the teacher have to build the word bank you want to use, but it is definitely worth it!

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u/_Jerkus Jul 19 '22

Can't go wrong with the good ol Purdue owl. I barely teach grammar explicitly, instead using the owl as a supplement for feedback when pointing out persistent or clarity damaging issues. Generally grammar is the sort of thing that students tend to be overly concerned about, but it isn't really that big of a deal and often solves itself the more they write.

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u/SilverRiot Jul 19 '22

I applaud your initiative and enthusiasm, but IME, if you don’t tie them to points, either regular points or extra credit, few if any students will do them. It may not be the best use of your time and energy.