Abstract :
This study, discussing the synthetic approach in grammar teaching, consists of two main parts. The first part, which is an introduction to the study, provides information on grammar and the functions of grammar knowledge in native language education. In that regard, this part also includes a review on grammar teaching in relation to the development of basic language skills and the acquisition of mental flexibility and discipline by students. Lastly, it focuses on the perspectives of behaviourist and constructivist language teaching approaches on grammar teaching. The second part addresses the problem of method in grammar teaching. In this sense, the study determines the contradictions in theory and practice and evaluates the suggestions to eliminate such contradictions within the framework of the synthetic approach. The synthetic approach is based on the concepts put forward by the behaviourist and constructivist education systems on grammar teaching. As is known, the perspective of these two educational approaches towards grammar teaching are not clear and evident. This study centres on the characteristics of a synthetic approach that should be followed in grammar teaching. The details of the synthetic approach, which is introduced in the study, are reviewed in the following stages: The Stage of Creating Ontological Awareness: The grammar subject covered has an ontological nature regarding the necessity of the process of active language use. What is the role of such structure or rule within language? To what extent is the lack or presence of such structure important in the semantic functioning of language? This first stage includes introductory activities that raise ontological awareness among students. The Stage of Lecturing: This is the stage where lecturing takes place and the content knowledge on language structure or rules are provided. The schemes that organize the knowledge, such as concept maps, are employed in this stage as well. The Stage of Comprehension: This stage involves the practices that enable students to comprehend the subject through the prepared work sheets. The Pragmatic Stage: This stage is where the grammar subject covered is being practiced in a text. It is recommended for speaking, writing, reading and listening activities. The above-mentioned stages of teaching regarding grammar teaching bear the characteristics of both the behaviourist approach and the constructivist approach. The expression of synthetic approach is used as the terminological expression of this shared construction.
