Reaction Paper –
Chapter 1
The origins of
language curriculum development
To find
the origins of language curriculum development is a process that requires input
from all agencies relevant to the program. The book points out that a
curriculum development should begin with a syllabus. Jack Richards wrote that
“a syllabus is a specification of the content of a course of instruction and
lists what will be taught and tested (2).” Having a syllabus is a great way to
framework a curriculum to ensure that students and parents understand what each
classes will be focusing on and it is a great way to provide structure for the
students, the parents and the administration. The syllabus serves as a guide
for students to mode their learning behavior to meet the expectations given by
the teacher.
Vocabulary
is another important factor in curriculum development. The words selected for
students to learn and practice should cater to the students and be carefully
selected as some words may or may not be useful to the student. Vocabulary
words chosen to be taught should depend on the objectives of the course. He
wrote that “Educated native speakers are thought to have recognition vocabulary
of some 17,000 words, but this is a much larger number…Not all the words that a
native speaker knows are useful for second language learners who have only a limited
time available for learning (5).” Students who learn English as a second
language have to face with the language barriers that prevent them from
maximizing their potential towards learning and it slows the process for the
class to succeed as a whole. Language barriers must try to be repaired at a
young age so the student can try to catch up and meet their language standards
for their respective grade levels.
The
book points out a very good point in terms of grammar selection and gradation.
After reading the various ways of asking to use the phone, I find that I used
more than one of those lines. It is evident that there is no true way to ask a
question and that all forms are correct if the words are used in its correct
form. Students who learn English as a second language would also be able to use
more than one, but may not necessarily be able to use the proper format. Being
in the classroom with students who are under the English as a Second Language
(ESL) Program, I witness the struggle students’ face when trying to speak. The
words are used incorrectly and there writing produces many grammatical and
mechanical errors. This is a struggle
that we will continue to face because we are an island that will continue to
bring in many students who will migrate to Guam from their homes where they do
not speak or learn English as their first language.
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