M-U-F FRAMEWORK

• M-U-F is a grammar teaching framework (teaching approach) where it stands for M-U-F (Meaning-Use-Form).

• This framework integrates grammar and its context.

• It was introduced by Janey Moon (2008) through a British Council’s program concerning about the development of English teaching and learning in elementary school in Asia.

• The framework has five important elements to be applied in developing lesson plans.

• The elements are Topic, Activities, Language Focus, Situation and Sequence (TALFSS)

MEANING

• The meaning of unit of language that is being portrayed in the specific context.

• Two aspects of meaning:– The literal meaning of the word, phrase, functional

expression or grammar structure• Example: She buys a red ball. (‘red’ in this context has

something to do with naming a particular colour)

– The meaning in the context which it is being used in• Example: She is red from sitting in the sun. (‘red’ here means

her skin has turned into a particular shade of pink because of sunburn)

Sample of Activities

• Set situations or dialogues that are fun for children using dolls or other media

• Using stories• Playing dramas• Using pictures• Using children’s experiences as learning

materials

USE

• When or why the vocabulary, functional expression or grammar structure is used

• The words, functional expressions, grammar structures we choose to use are determined by the situation we are in and/or what we want to communicate to our listener(s)

• After children are exposed to English language through the situations manipulated by teachers, they also need opportunities to use correct English to communicate with others.

• Example: Good Morning! (greeting)– Is used to greet others before noon– When we use this greeting when a person gets up

in the afternoon, he/she may perceive it as an irony or sarcasm.

– We should not use this greeting after noon.

Sample of Activities

• Games• Information gap• Quiz• Plays• Giving and following instructions to do or

make something

FORM

• How the vocabulary unit, functional expression, or grammar structure is formed

• refers to the visible and audible parts of vocabulary, functional expressions and grammar units:– spelling– phonemes– syllable stress– words in a phrase– prefixes or suffixes– syntax (word order)– choice of noun or verb– punctuation

• Teachers have to attract children’s attention to language forms during English lesson, which means that the teachers are making the children aware of accurate language use both orally and written.

Sample of Activities

• Games - children raise their right hands if teacher says singular animals, and their left hands if teacher says plural animals.

• Writing - completing sentences, arranging words into good sentences, or completing dialogues.

• Activities that increase students’ awareness on grammar -teacher asks “What is similar about these sentences?●He is talking●She is listening●They are eating at the restaurant