Preparing and Implementing a Task-based ESL Curriculum in an EFL Setting: Implications for Theory and Practice

Abstract

Current knowledge about curriculum development (CD) comes into sharper focus when viewed in the light of experiences gained from developing curricula in different settings. The more distinct the new setting is from previous CD sites, the more interesting the perspective gained about this knowledge. In this paper we discuss a CD project set in Beijing, China. The challenges posed by developing curriculum in this unique setting are numerous. Foremost are those arising from having to negotiate a work-oriented English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum acceptable to two groups of teachers with different cultural and professional backgrounds who must not only raise the proficiency level of heterogeneous groups of learners in a short period of time but must also participate in an exchange of skills program involving the new curriculum.