New Course Syllable for English
Part 1: Introduction
With the advent of the information age and the global economy, English has become increasingly important. English is the dominant carrier of information and the most widely spoken language in the world. Many countries have made English a cornerstone of quality education when developing strategies for basic education.
Since China’s reform and opening, the scale of its English education has continually grown, attended by significant achievements in teaching and learning. However, English education in its current form is failing to meet the needs of contemporary social and economic development.
The current round of reforms to the English curriculum aim to end the following practices:
l Over-emphasizing the transmission and explanation of knowledge about grammar and vocabulary
l Neglecting to develop students’ ability to use language for real
In their place, the reforms aim to establish a curriculum that:
l Develops students’ comprehensive l anguage competence
l Motivates students, is relevant to their life experiences and cognitive level
l Promotes task-based teaching methods
l Involves students in experiential, practical, participatory and cooperative learning
l Develops students’ positive attitudes, thinking skills, practical abilities, cultural awareness and autonomy through the language learning process
1. The Nature of the New Curriculum
The new English curriculum strives to accomplish far more than just help students learn English. At one level learning English should involve helping students t
l Develop a certain level of comprehensive language competence and the ability to use language for real communication
l Master certain basic language knowledge
l Master listening, speaking, reading and writing skills
However, at another level the curriculum should also serve students’ all-round development, providing them with opportunities t
l Strengthen their interest in studying English
l Grow in self-discipline, perseverance and self-confidence
l Improve their cooperative, investigative and thinking abilities
l Develop their memory, imagination and creativity
l Adopt good study habits and effective learning strategies
l Develop as autonomous and lifelong learners
l Build moral integrity and a healthy outlook on life
l Establish both national spirit and an awareness of and respect for cultural differences
l Broaden their horizons and enrich their life experience
l Take part in cultural life
