Introduction: Investigating Explicit L2 Grammar Instruction Through Multiple Theoretical and Methodological Lenses

• Published in: Language learning 2022-03, Vol.72 (S1), p.5-40
• Main Author: Toth, Paul D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: deductive; explicit instruction; inductive; L2 Spanish; research methods
• ISSN: 0023-8333; 1467-9922
• DOI: 10.1111/lang.12490

The articles in this special issue apply a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives to quantitative and qualitative data gathered in eight third‐year, intermediate second‐language (L2) Spanish classes at three U.S. high schools (N = 195). The goal of this research was to document grammatical development through two forms of explicit instruction on the pronoun se: one involving deductive rule presentations, and the other involving an inductive “co‐construction” of grammatical rules with learners (Adair‐Hauck et al., 2005). After reviewing cognitive and social approaches to explicit instruction, I present the context and procedures for data gathering, followed by an overview of the main findings in each article. While quantitative results suggest a somewhat stronger performance for the deductive group, qualitative evidence suggests a more challenging task for teachers implementing co‐construction. I conclude emphasizing the value of high‐quality explicit instruction to L2 development and the importance of teachers in making that happen.