9 - Syllabus

Definition: The syllabus is a descriptive summary of the subjects and/or topics to be covered during the development of a course. In the English teaching field, it can be divided into language syllabus (includes phonological, syntactic, and semantic features of the target language), communicative activities syllabus (discourse and interactional orientation), cultural syllabus (relationship between language and culture) and general language education syllabus (reflections about language, about language learning strategies, and about cultural aspects). The mix of these four aspects in a syllabus create a multidimensional educational curriculum.

 

Comment: It is very important for a teacher to maintain an organized schedule, and, more than this, a well done syllabus. It saves time and focus the attention on what is to be covered. A multidimensional syllabus is a sign that the class covers a good range of the English learning aspects, optimizing the process.

 

References: 

KUMARADIVELU, B. Understanding language teaching: from method to postmethod. Mahwah, New Jersey;London: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2006.

RICHARDS, J.; RODGERS, T. Approaches and methods in Language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986. Chapter 2: page 14 to 30

 

More Sources:

 

Writing a syllabus article

http://www.mnsu.edu/cetl/teachingresources/articles/syllabus.html

 

Writing a Syllabus for the ESL Classroom

http://esllanguageschools.suite101.com/article.cfm/writing-a-syllabus-for-the-esl-classroom