Search Google Appliance

LING 475/575: Curriculum Design and Materials Development

Instructor: Keith Walters

Credits:

This course is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of curriculum design and materials development. The focus is on ESL/EFL students and programs, applicable to a variety of ages and levels.

Each student in this class will identify a particular group of students or context to focus on. Since this is the first time for me to offer this class at PSU, it will most likely evolve from a general outline given in the first week, based on your needs and feedback. The class readings, activities, and assignments will be designed to assist you developing a general understanding of both theoretical and practical issues in curriculum design and materials development, as well as for developing a more specific understanding in relation to your target group/context.

The topics that will form the general outline to begin with are:

  • definitions of curriculum and materials;
  • needs analysis;
  • goals and objectives formulation;
  • developing, adapting, and evaluating materials, and planning activities.

By the end of this course, it is expected that you will be able to:

  • have an understanding of the current options in ESL/EFL curriculum design
  • conduct a needs analysis for a group of ESL/EFL learners
  • develop a curriculum with syllabus, lesson plans, and materials for ESL/EFL learners
  • evaluate and modify existing materials for your curriculum.

Prerequisites:

Major Assignments:

Texts:

Other Relevant Information: