EDF6234

Curriculum design and evaluation in languages education ( 12 points, SCA Band 0, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr M Gearon

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Evening)

Synopsis: The unit examines recent trends in language teaching curriculum design and assessment in second and foreign language education. Students explore in detail a range of syllabus types such as structural, notional/functional, task-based, competency based, process. Procedures for analysing the needs of learners of English in the student's society are discussed, and relevant curriculum documents from that society are viewed critically. A conceptual framework for assessment is developed so that students can readily recognise the purpose of existing language tests that learners undergo in their society, which may be placement, or measurement of achievement, or of second language proficiency.

Objectives: The learning objectives of this unit are to enable participants to revise the implications of first and second language acquisition research for language teaching and learning and their impact on curriculum and assessment in their school / teaching institution; familiarize themselves with current language policy and curriculum developments at state, national and international levels; familiarize themselves with models and processes involved in designing a curriculum document and writing appropriate assessment tasks; experience a reflective model of teaching and learning by reflecting alone, or in discussion with others, on the theories and issues related to curriculum change and assessment requirements; make links between curriculum design and assessment requirements; define and provide examples of key terms such as validity, reliability, bias for best and practicality as they relate to the monitoring of students' progress in a second or foreign language; analyse existing standard tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and others in terms of validity, reliability, practicality and bias for best; identify, research and report on an assessment or curriculum issue of particular interest to them.

Assessment: Two assignments: 1. Assessment and 2. Curriculum (2 x 4000 words each): 90% + Glossary of terms related to assessment and curriculum (500 words): 10%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week