Workbook as Tool for Motivating Students to Study Grammar

Abstract

The problem of the quality of textbooks and workbooks has always been relevant. Their making is always a rather difficult and time-consuming task. It is important to understand that the textbook and workbook are a single unit within the complex systemic whole, encompassing also subject concepts, federal state educational standards, basic educational programs, etc. The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the “Conjuguer: c'est facile” (2015, 2016, 2017) series of author's French grammar workbooks for beginners. Using this example, the authors of the article emphasize that well-written and appropriately compiled teaching resources stimulate the cognitive activity of students, turning the process of mastering a foreign language in general, and its grammar, in particular, into an entertaining experience. The main approach to the study of the problem is a systemic one. Despite all the variety of various materials, teachers are encouraged to create their own teaching aids tailored to the specific kind of their audience, as well as to their specific needs. The authors come to the conclusion that the effectiveness of a textbook on French grammar depends on a number of criteria, including careful selection of material for the formation of linguistic, speech, socio-cultural, social, discursive and compensatory (strategic) competencies; logical organization and presentation of material; inclusion of exercises implying a great degree of participation; the presence of test assignments for monitoring student’s progress. In addition, a visual presentation of the material plays an important role in enhancing the cognitive activity of students, increasing their interest in mastering grammatical skills and abilities.