AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF TEACHING SUBJECT- VERB AGREEMENT

Abstract

This paper aims to introduce an unconventional method of teaching subject-verb agreement in the context of the present tense, using hands. If asked how to teach subject-verb agreement, most language teachers will most likely tell you that subject must agree with the verb in person and number. They do not elaborate. This paper demonstrates a method that is unconventional although a little childish for teaching subject-verb agreement based on four sets of paradigms, which are deliberately organized in such a way that if the students understand the first set, they will understand the rest. Both the conventional method of deliberating on the grammar rules and the unconventional method of using hands had been tried out Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Feedback from students suggests that they preferred the latter than the former method. The paper also presents a strategy of teaching subject by using the substitution method.