0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views8 pages

Curriculum Design: Goals and Sequencing

This chapter discusses curriculum design and specifically goals, content, and sequencing. It explains that goals can focus on language, ideas, skills, or text. Content is selected based on these goals and can be evaluated by looking at vocabulary, structure, phonology, functions, ideas, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Progression in a course refers to the units used to measure learner progress and can include vocabulary levels, grammar structures, and other language items. Vocabulary and grammar are discussed as common units of progression, with research showing the value of high frequency words and verbs.

Uploaded by

BayuDwiyanto
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views8 pages

Curriculum Design: Goals and Sequencing

This chapter discusses curriculum design and specifically goals, content, and sequencing. It explains that goals can focus on language, ideas, skills, or text. Content is selected based on these goals and can be evaluated by looking at vocabulary, structure, phonology, functions, ideas, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Progression in a course refers to the units used to measure learner progress and can include vocabulary levels, grammar structures, and other language items. Vocabulary and grammar are discussed as common units of progression, with research showing the value of high frequency words and verbs.

Uploaded by

BayuDwiyanto
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 5

Goals, Content and Sequencing

The aim of this part of the curriculum


design process is to make a list of the
items to teach in the order in which
they will be taught.
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

Goals and Content

The goals of a language lesson can focus on one or more of the following:
o Language (areas: vocabulary, structure, phonology, and functions),
o Ideas,
o Skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), or
o Text (Discourse) (A connected series of utterances either spoken or written; a
text or conversation).
It is possible to plan or evaluate the content of courses by looking at each of these
four areas
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

Even if the selection of content for a course is based on topics,

themes or situations, it is useful to check to see that the language

items that are covered are the most useful ones.


Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

The Units of Progression in the Course


The units of progression in a course are the items that are used to grade the
progress of the course.

For example, if the starting point of a course was language items, and, in
particular, vocabulary, the units of progression would be words, and at a
broader level, word frequency levels which are similar to those used in grading
the levels of simplified readers.
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

What Will the Progression be Used For?


Progression can be used for a variety of purposes:
❶ Units of progression can be used to set targets and paths to those targets.
❷ Units of progression can be used to check the adequacy of selection and
ordering in a course.
❸ Units of progression can be used to monitor and report on learners’
progress and achievement in the course.
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

Units of Progression
Vocabulary
There is considerable frequency-based research that provides clear
indications of what vocabulary learners would gain most benefit from
knowing. This research shows strikingly the value of ensuring that learners
have good control of the high-frequency vocabulary of the language.
Typically,

othe first 1,000 words account for 75% of the successive words in a text
othe second 1,000 words account for 5% of the successive words in a text
o 570 academic words account for 10% of the successive words in an
academic text.
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

Units of Progression
Grammar
There are several frequency counts of verb form usage in English which can act
as the basis for the selection and sequencing of items in a course. Appendix 1
contains a list from H.V. George’s Verb Form Frequency Count.
Chapter 5
Goals, Content and Sequencing

Units of Progression
Grammar
Many courses use grammar as the major unit of progression. Unfortunately, the
selection and sequencing of the items is at the best opportunistic and gives no
consideration of the value of learning particular items. Courses thus include a
strange mixture of very useful items and items that occur relatively infrequently
in normal language use. Infrequent items can be usefully introduced in courses
where they are needed to be learned as memorized phrases rather than as
structures to focus on.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Using grammar as the primary unit of progression can lead to an opportunistic selection of items, resulting in a mix of very useful and seldom-used grammatical structures. This approach might not optimally prioritize the most valuable learning items for students, potentially leading to inefficient learning outcomes .

The curriculum design process considers goals related to language, including vocabulary, structure, phonology, and functions. It also integrates idea-focused content, develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and addresses the structure of text, both spoken and written. These elements are used to plan and evaluate the content of courses, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience .

Frequency-based research informs educators about which vocabulary items are most beneficial for learners to know. By focusing on high-frequency words, typically the first 1,000 most common and the 570 academic words, educators can ensure that learners acquire vocabulary that covers a significant percentage of text content, enhancing comprehension and usage .

Focusing on thematic content allows educators to contextualize vocabulary and structures within relevant topics or scenarios, increasing engagement and practical understanding. While themes guide content selection, it remains crucial to ensure that the vocabulary and structures taught are among the most useful for learners' immediate communication needs .

The first 1,000 words of a language cover approximately 75% of the words in a text, providing a foundational vocabulary that greatly enhances reading comprehension. The second 1,000 words account for an additional 5%, offering further support as learners encounter a broader range of texts, ensuring comprehensive understanding .

Introducing infrequent items can lead to inefficient use of learning resources since such items may not be immediately useful in daily language usage. To address this, infrequent items can be introduced as memorized phrases or within specific contexts where they are relevant, ensuring that learning remains focused and practical .

Using discourse as a focus allows students to understand language in context, improving practical communication skills. However, it may pose limitations by potentially neglecting necessary smaller units like individual vocabulary or grammar items that also require attention for foundational learning .

Vocabulary is critical in units of progression because research indicates that high-frequency vocabulary greatly benefits learners. The first 1,000 words account for 75% of the words in a text, making them essential for comprehension. Including these words ensures efficient learning and high utility for students .

Units of progression should be selected based on their frequency and utility in language, prioritizing high-frequency vocabulary and grammatical forms. Courses should align learning targets with real-life communication needs and progressively build complexity in language skills, ensuring comprehensive development and practical utility for learners across contexts .

Progression units can be utilized to set specific learning targets and paths, checking the adequacy of content selection and order. They help in monitoring learners' progress and ultimately reporting achievements, ensuring that learners are meeting the course goals effectively .

You might also like