Language Curriculum Design (ESL & Applied Linguistics Professional Series)

I purchased this ebook for a curriculum design course as a part of my TESOL Masters program. I only had to read certain parts of the textbook, but I enjoyed it so much that I read the whole ebook. In addition to reading the ebook for class, we were required to complete specific tasks from the book in addition to field work, including needs analysis, environmental analysis, an assessment etc. Doing field work alongside the readings in the textbook, really put things into perspective. Also, at the end of the course, I had to create a 6 week curriculum based off the principles and concepts in this ebook and other readings. I would suggest completing the tasks while reading this book or using it as a refresher or reference if you are not reading it for a class.

Language Curriculum Design is a concise, easy-to-follow guide to curriculum design using the latest research. Teachers will find this useful for both ESL and EFL/TESOL contexts among others, and suitable for many different types of teaching. The chapters are short, yet full of useful information for both theory and practice. And bonus, it arrived very promptly!

Has been very helpful to me. I don't have a teaching background, just doing some ESL work with beginners, so I've appreciated the clarity and systematic lay out and practice recommendations to help me through this area .

It is mostly for the beginners and so seems not so helpful to the advanced language learners.

The information is very useful! Chapter 14 has given me an insight into designing curricula as well as how to understand the deb

This book was helpful and really good supplemental reading to the Language Curriculum Design book. However, I kinda think that they should be sold as one.

Great value for a new book.

An excellent overview of the subject.

Great book used as one of the key coursebooks for teaching on one of my postgraduate modules.

It is important to remember that there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to teaching, and certainly not language teaching. Whichever of the main varietals you work with TEFL/TESL/TESOL/LOTE etc. you are always going to find things that don't work, that do work - and then don't work. Teaching any language is a fluid practice that has as much to do with the learners' attitudes/desires/culture/characters/predispositions/fears as it does with the nuts-and-bolts of grammar and syntax. That established, however, there are certain 'ground rules' - certain mainstays that can give the novice a strong foundation upon which to build - and this texts presents those in a clear, concise, precise and ultimately very readable format. The book is well designed and the kind of reference resource that allows the reader to interact with it, put it down and then come back. The tone of the text is respectful, professional and not at all condescending - so it should suit both those experienced in the field and those new to it too. The chapter lengths are perfect, not too long and cover most bases. If there is a criticism, then I would say that there needs to be more attention paid to progressive paradigms. Whilst there is a chapter on 'negotiated syllabi' (not syllabuses!!!) As an experienced professional, myself, I personally would have liked a couple more chapters on alternative/democratic/critical/emancipatory approaches to curriculum design - maybe that would be an idea for a follow-up text. The aforementioned said, clearly the book is a practical 'hands-on' life-raft for those charged with language curriculum design and perhaps my area of interest would cause confusion for newcomers. To summate, an excellent book on a potentially dry topic, clear and concise, lots of food for though and yet lots of confirmations too. A valuable reference for any education professional charged with curriculum development - regardless of your discipline.