Module 2: Lesson 2 - Business English Syllabus Flashcards
Differences between aims & objectives.
Aims: Not time bound / General / Not measurable / Long term
Objectives: Time bound / Specific / Measurable / Short term
Break down the SMART model.
S: Objectives need to be specific, laying out a step-by-step plan of how students’ aims are to be achieved.
M: Objectives need to be measurable in order for students to know when they have reached it and to avoid feeling demotivated.
A: Objectives need to be attainable and realistic in order to maintain students’ motivation.
R: Objectives need to be attainable and realistic in order to maintain students’ motivation.
T: Objectives need to be restricted by a time frame within which the objective should be achieved.
What is a syllabus?
A structured overview of the content that is going to be included over the duration of the course.
It lays out what is going to be taught and in what order.
The syllabus is organized so that the students work on material that is familiar to them first, before moving on to more complex content.
What are the components of a BE syllabus?
Language Skills: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises are usually included in BE syllabi.
Functions: The contexts and ways in which students will use BE in their workplace. Focusing on areas of language that are directly relevant to their working lives, permitting them to improve the communication skills most connected to their specific needs.
Competences: Linguistic, Discourse, and Intercultural competences are an essential element of a Business English Syllabus.
Pronunciation: It is not always specifically included in the syllabus. Some syllabi directly study pronunciation through the use of phonetics or by comparing to the students’ native language.
What is a negotiated syllabus?
A negotiated syllabus is one where the students have been actively consulted in designing the syllabus.
What are the advantages of implementing a negotiated syllabus?
- It is completely focused on the needs of the students, making them more motivated and making the BE course much more effective.
- Learning is more efficient due to increased motivation.
- As the content is completely adapted to the discourse competences needed by the students, they will be able to perform their work tasks better, leading to higher levels of satisfaction both for the employees and the employers.
What are the disadvantages of implementing a negotiated syllabus?
- It requires more flexibility and adaptability on the teacher’s part.
- Maintaining a professional and prepared image, while also asking your students what they want to do in class, can be a tricky balancing act.
- Most students will not be accustomed to having an influence on the course content and might find it difficult to provide the necessary input.
- Start small, with students choosing between specific alternatives, or selecting which homework task to do, and build up to a more completely negotiated syllabus.
