TEFL Lesson Planning and Curriculum Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ESA lesson planning, what does the 'E' stand for?
- Evaluate
- Engage (Correct answer)
- Explain
- Extend
Correct answer: Engage
In Jeremy Harmer's ESA framework, 'E' stands for Engage — the stage where students' emotions and interest are activated.
Question 2: What is a 'needs analysis' in curriculum design?
- An assessment of the teacher's teaching style
- A process for identifying learners' language needs and goals (Correct answer)
- A grammar diagnostic test
- A method for choosing textbooks
Correct answer: A process for identifying learners' language needs and goals
A needs analysis gathers information about learners' current proficiency, goals, and contexts to inform curriculum decisions.
Question 3: Which type of syllabus lists language items from simple to complex grammatical structures?
- Notional-functional syllabus
- Structural syllabus (Correct answer)
- Process syllabus
- Content-based syllabus
Correct answer: Structural syllabus
A structural (or grammatical) syllabus sequences language items by grammatical complexity, such as present simple before present perfect.
Question 4: What does 'scaffolding' mean in a TEFL lesson context?
- Using visual displays around the classroom
- Providing temporary support structures to help learners complete tasks they couldn't manage alone (Correct answer)
- Building a strict homework schedule
- Correcting every student error immediately
Correct answer: Providing temporary support structures to help learners complete tasks they couldn't manage alone
Scaffolding involves giving learners support (prompts, models, frames) that is gradually removed as their competence grows.
Question 5: A TEFL teacher sets a 'communicative aim' for a lesson. What does this mean?
- Students will memorize a list of phrases
- Students will be able to communicate meaning in a real-world-like context using the target language (Correct answer)
- Students will read a text silently
- Students will complete a grammar worksheet
Correct answer: Students will be able to communicate meaning in a real-world-like context using the target language
A communicative aim specifies the real-world communication task students can perform after the lesson.
Question 6: What is the role of 'anticipated problems' in a TEFL lesson plan?
- To list disciplinary issues
- To predict language or logistical difficulties learners may face and plan solutions in advance (Correct answer)
- To rank students by ability
- To record absences
Correct answer: To predict language or logistical difficulties learners may face and plan solutions in advance
Anticipated problems help teachers proactively plan for likely misunderstandings or task difficulties so instruction stays on track.
TEFL Lesson Planning and Curriculum Design 2
In ESA lesson planning, what does the 'E' stand for?