Second Language Curriculum Development Process

Educators are expected to be familiar and aware with what a curriculum is and how it is developed. Knowing the processes involved in the curriculum development will help us perform our responsibilities effectively and efficiently. With this, the process of second language curriculum development as shown in the diagram will be discussed in this paper. The entire process begins with identifying the situation, context and students of a particular institution. The needs of the students who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the curriculum will be diagnosed and analyzed as well as other needs to be addressed such as societal needs and specific requirements of the subject. Secondly, the goals will be formulated. The next steps are determining the course content, sequences and structure; designing course units and modules; and constructing the lesson plans. From the formulation of goals and construction of lesson plans, the materials and resources are considered in the context of the institution. The profile of the teachers in terms of training, experience, teaching styles, personality and second language proficiency are crucial factors in designing the modules, constructing the lesson plans and the actual implementation which is teaching. The teaching component includes the implicit formative assessment of students, the self and the course. Then, the succeeding step is assessment. The assessment covers the areas such as students, teacher and the program. The results of the evaluation will serve as the basis in the revision of the curriculum for continuous development. Finally, the steps in curriculum development are an unending process. The development of a curriculum does not end at evaluation and revision but the process can lead back to any components depending on the concerns that need to be addressed.