How can I help the learner?

By recognizing that the learner was applying a rule where it was not applicable, you can now make the learner aware of this throughout the next few lessons. Using your knowledge of the learner's goals, learning styles and interests, you can create lessons that will help her improve her communicative competencies.

While you do have a lot of grammatical knowledge, you may find it useful to refer to a grammar text in the interest of saving time. I suggest using:

• Azar, Betty Schrampfer. Understanding and Using English Grammar: 3rd ed. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2000.)
• Azar, Betty Schrampfer. Basic English Grammar: 2nd ed. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996.)
• Murphy, Raymond. Grammar in Use Intermediate With Answers. (Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997.)
• Murphy, Raymond. Basic Grammar in Use: Reference and practice for students of English. (Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997.)

Both authors have written grammar books for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners that are easily accessible. Murphy’s book has better visuals, but Azar has open-ended grammatical exercises, which are more beneficial than the traditional clozed (or fill in the blank) exercises. Focus on Grammar* is also another series of books that are well produced and have numerous communicative exercises.

* Focus on Grammar is published by Pearson Education.