TESL Curriculum and Training Focus 5

Question 1

Which approach to ESL curriculum development places the greatest emphasis on real-world task performance as both content and assessment?

Accepted Answer

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Answer

TBLT organizes the curriculum around communicative tasks that mirror real-life language use, making task performance the primary learning and assessment vehicle.

Question 2

A TESL trainer uses 'lesson study' as a professional development model. What is the core feature of this approach?

Accepted Answer

Collaborative planning, observation, and analysis of a single research lesson by a team of teachers

Answer

Lesson study involves teachers collaboratively planning one detailed 'research lesson,' observing it together, and then systematically analyzing student learning outcomes.

Question 3

When aligning an ESL curriculum with national standards such as WIDA, teachers should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Matching every lesson to a specific WIDA proficiency level descriptor across language domains

Answer

Curriculum alignment with WIDA requires mapping instructional activities and assessments to proficiency-level language function descriptors across all four language domains.

Question 4

The 'washback effect' in language curriculum design refers to:

Accepted Answer

The influence of assessment on what and how teachers teach

Answer

Washback (or backwash) describes how the nature of tests shapes curriculum content and classroom instruction, either positively or negatively.

Question 5

A teacher training program uses case-based learning. The primary purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Develop trainees' analytical and decision-making skills through realistic teaching scenarios

Answer

Case-based learning presents complex, realistic teaching dilemmas that require trainees to analyze, deliberate, and apply theoretical knowledge to messy practice.

(TESL) Teaching English as a Second Language Certification Practice Test

(TESL) Teaching English as a Second Language Certification Practice Test

TESL Curriculum and Training Focus 5