Syllabus Shapes and Syllabus Evaluation SYLLABUS SHAPES Linear

Syllabus Shapes and Syllabus Evaluation

SYLLABUS SHAPES Linear Syllabus Cyclical Syllabus Modular Syllabus Matrix Syllabus

LINEAR SYLLABUS Teaching on a line versus spiral natural learning process Language learning viewed as a process of evolution. Learners should be given opportunities to experience the same features turning up in many different combinations, so that they may gradually «grow into» the language.

LINEAR SYLLABUS Learning points are isolated and presented one after another. Issues of sequencing and grading are of paramount importance. Linguistic and pedagogical principles determine the order in which items will be presented. A strict linear shape does not work well when the categories of language content are notional or functional.

LINEAR VS CYCLICAL SYLLABUS

CYLICAL SYLLABUS Language learning as «integrative» rather than cumulative Language as a network of interrelated categories Enables teachers and learners to work with the same topic more than once

CYCLICAL SYLLABUS Example: Prepare 3 sets of exercises to teach the use of articles, according to a spiral syllabus, to be used at 3 different levels.

CYCLICAL SYLLABUS Level 1: Class 3: Introduce three articles a, an and the and give the simple rules. 1. a. A is used before words beginning with letters a, e, i, o, u. b. An is used before words beginning with any other letter for example: an orange, a book 2. The is used when we refer to something that we have already spoken of. for example: I have a box. The box is red. Exercise: Fill in the blanks with a, an, or the as appropriate. She has …. umbrella. …………………. is red in color. There is …………. pencil here. ………………. pencil is sharp.

CYCLICAL SYLLABUS Level 2: Class 8 1. The different uses of the for ex: The names of rivers and mountains 2. The absence of articles for certain words like God 3. Use of the along with objects of which there is only one of its kind like the Bible; the sky Exercise: Supply articles where necessary. Ganga is one of holly rivers of India. It starts from Himalayas and joins of Bay and Bengal…. Level 3: Class 12 Execise: Correct sentences if necessary Sky is blue. The Ram came.

MODULAR FORMAT Composed of modules basically similar to units in a syllabus Each module integrates the language in a thematic or situational context processsed through skills-building tasks Modules are independent from each other Gives flexibility to the tacher The language could be dividied into modules in several ways.

MATRIX FORMAT The most complex and burdensome for the designer Relies on the design of free sets of topics, situations and tasks or activities later to be matched by the teacher The format does not impose a certain method and could be used for content based courses as well as task based and communicative courses.

GUIDELINES FOR SYLLABUS EVALUATION Does the syllabus have clearly stated objectives? What are they? How far does the syllabus incorporate current thinking in linguistics, sociology, psychology and pedagogy? Is the target behaviour clearly spelt out or at least implied? What is the syllabus type? Does the syllabus spell out the methodology? Is the syllabus consistent with the other aspects of the curriculum? Does the syllabus have flexibility? Is it negotiable?

SYLLABUS EVALUATION ACCORDING TO THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK The educational reform of 1999 presents new requirements vis-à-vis authoring syllabuses based on the core curriculum. According to ministerial recommendations issued at the outset of the 1999 reform, the authoring syllabus should include: an introduction including the presentation of the syllabus, its origin, information about the educational experience of the authors, characteristics of the students for whom the syllabus is suitable and minimum requirements related to school equipment indispensable for the implementation of the syllabus a set of objectives a list of teaching contents recommendations for educational procedures, methods and techniques exit competencies a list of testing techniques to be used in formative and summative evaluation samples of tests samples of lesson scenarios

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER…. Remain flexible and leave options open. Eclecticism: the practice of (or belief in) making informed choices among the available approaches, syllabuses, techniques and exercises in order to adapt to a particular group of students in a particular situation for the purposes of most effectively and efficiently helping them to learn a language.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER… «True eclecticism involves informed and rational choices based on knowledge and experience» (James Dean Brown) «It is wise to take an eclectic approach, taking what is useful from each theory and trusting also in the evidence of your own experience as a teacher. » (Hutchinson & Waters)

REFERENCES Brown, J. D. (1995). The Elements of Language Curriculum, Boston: Thomson Publishing. Corder, S. P. (1973). Introducing Applied Linguistics, Penguin, Harmonswordth. Dubin, F. & Olshtain, E. (1986). Course Design: Developing Programs and materials for language learning. USA: Cambridge University Press. Hutchinson, T. & Waters, A. (1987). English for Specific Purposes, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Macalister, P. (2010). Language Curriculum Design, NY: Routledge. Sarawati, V. (2005). English Language Teaching: Principles & Practice, India: Orient Longman.