Thiara M Pagan Borrero ESL650-PH02 Module 2 Dr.

Ruben Lebron

\Theories and Curriculum Trends in ESL Teaching

Recent theories related to approaches and methods of teaching our present curriculum

trends play an essential role in ESL students learning. These theories provide valuable insight

into how teachers should plan and carry out language instruction. They align with the

educational environment that is continuously evolving. A vital theory that stood out the most is

communicative language teaching (CLT) and the emphasis on learner-centered approaches,

which have improved the curriculum design to prioritize meaningful language use (Richards &

Rodgers, 2014; Celce-Murcia, 1991). This shift aligns with the educational ideas in the video

"Teaching Approaches, Methods, Procedures, Techniques, and Strategies," which emphasizes

the importance of engaging teaching techniques and strategies that promote active student

participation.

Combining this theory into the ESL curriculum would mean adopting flexible and

dynamic teaching methods that deal with the diverse needs of students. These methods include

incorporating constructivist principles, where students actively construct their knowledge and

meaning during the learning process (Richard-Amato, 2003; Maulidia Rachmawati Nur &

Ahmad Madkur, 2014). On that account, the video "Theories, Methods, and Techniques" points

out the importance of constructivist and communicative methods during language instruction.

These theories require replacing traditional teacher-centered approaches with more student-

centered and interactive classrooms. Implementing these methods should then provide

opportunities for students to engage in authentic language activities and improve their language

proficiency and communication skills.

 Integrating said trends, as discussed in the video "Theories, Methods, and Techniques,"

into the ESL curriculum is essential. Technology integration flipped classrooms, and project-

based learning would completely turn around language instruction for the better. These trends

allow instructors to create dynamic and interactive learning environments, improve active

student engagement, and promote independent learning. By including technology and innovative

practices, the ESL curriculum can better prepare students for the difficulties of language

teaching.

Theories related to language teaching approaches and methods in these articles stress the

importance of student-centered, communicative, and interactive instruction. These theories have

reshaped ESL graduate course curriculum trends, emphasizing the need for flexible and dynamic

teaching methods aligned with constructivist principles and modern trends in education. As

educators, it is crucial to embrace these theories and incorporate them into the curriculum to

ensure that ESL students receive the most effective and engaging language instruction possible.

References

Celce-Murcia, M. (2001). Language teaching approaches: An overview. Teaching English as a

Thiara M Pagan Borrero ESL650-PH02 Module 2 Dr. Ruben Lebron

second or foreign language, 3(1), 3-10. Heinle & Heinle. https://edisciplinas.usp.br/

pluginfile.php/7747961/mod_resource/content/1/Teaching%20English%20as%20a

%20Second%20or%20Foreign%20Language%20by%20Celce-Murcia%20Mariam.

%20%28z-lib.org%29.pdf

Maulidia Rachmawati Nur & Ahmad Madkur. (2014). Teachers' voices on the 2013 curriculum

for English instructional activities. Unnes Journal of Language and Literature, 3(3), 212-

221. https://typeset.io/pdf/teachers-voices-on-the-2013-curriculum-for-english-

1w18ht5py0.pdf

Richard-Amato, P. A. (2003). Making it happen: From teacher training to inclusive classrooms.

Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearson.com/en-us/higher-education/insights-and-

events/teaching-and-learning-blog/2022/12/making-room-at-the-table--creating-

inclusive-classrooms.html

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching.

Cambridge University Press. (2nd ed.) 18-32 Retrieved from https://ia801609.us.archive

.org/28/items/ApproachesAndMethodsInLanguageTeaching2ndEditionCambridgeLangua

geTeachingLibrary_201610/

__Approaches_and_Methods_in_Language_Teaching__2nd_Edition__Cambridge_Lang

uage_Teaching_Library_.pdf

TEFL & TESOL Training. (2019, November 25). Theories, Methods and Techniques. In

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNWWzCnPcN4

UNIV'ENGLISH. (2021). Teaching approaches, methods, procedures, techniques, and strategies

In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbRThpeFKfs