In English Language Teaching (ELT), course and syllabus design are critical components of planning and delivering effective language instruction. Course design involves the overall planning and organization of a language learning program, including determining the course objectives, identifying the target learners, selecting appropriate teaching materials, and outlining the sequence and pacing of the lessons. Effective course design should consider learners' needs, interests, and language proficiency levels, as well as the desired outcomes and goals of the program. Syllabus design, on the other hand, refers to the detailed plan for a particular course, outlining the specific language content, skills, and tasks to be covered. A syllabus provides a roadmap for the language learning process, ensuring that learners have a clear understanding of what will be covered and how they will progress throughout the course. It should also take into account the learners' needs and goals and be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances or learner needs. Both course and syllabus design are essential for providing learners with a well-structured, coherent, and effective language learning experience. They ensure that language instruction is organized and aligned with learners' needs and goals, providing them with the necessary language input, opportunities for practice, and feedback to achieve their language learning objectives.
Curriculum doesn’t have to be a 40-page monster or a mystery only coordinators understand. These flashcards break down approaches to syllabus design—from functional to task-based, negotiated to needs-based—so you can build courses that actually make sense for the people in front of you.
It’s not about picking one model and sticking to it religiously. It’s about understanding what’s out there, what it’s good for, and how to mix and match without losing the plot.
Use these cards to rethink structure, reframe content, and stop copying the same tired units just because the book says so.
⚠️ Note: Your syllabus is your message. Make sure it says something worth learning.
Richards, J.C. (2001). Curriculum development in language teaching. New York: Cambridge University Press
Graves, K. (1999). Designing language courses: A guide for teachers. Boston, MA: Heinle ELT
Hall, D., & Hewings, A. (Eds.). (2001). Innovation in English language teaching: A reader. New York: Routledge.
Carroll, M. (Ed.). (2007). Developing a new curriculum for adult learners. Alexandria, VA: TESOL Publications.
Harwood, N. (2010). English language teaching materials: Theory and practice. New York: Cambridge University Press
Nation, I.S.P., & Macalister, J. (2010). Language curriculum design. New York: Routledge.
Rice, A. (Ed.). (2007). Revitalizing an established program for adult learners. Alexandria, VA: TESOL Publications
Snow, M.A., & and Kamhi-Stein, L. (Eds.). (2006). Developing a new course for adult learners. Alexandria, VA: TESOL Publications.
Tomlinson, B. (Ed.). (2008). English language learning materials: A critical review. London: Continuum.
Woodward, T. (2001). Planning lessons and courses: Designing sequences of work for the language classroom. New York: Cambridge University Press.