Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Design
Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Design
The educational objectives that learners are to achieve depend on the philosophy of education adhered to by teachers. The learner’s own philosophy also contributes to the curriculum. Pressures from the community further modify philosophical thinking pertaining to teaching–learning situations. Different schools of philosophy—such as idealism, realism, existentialism, and experimentalism—all have unique objectives that learners should acquire.
Philosophy
Read MoreMastering Essay and Letter Formats: Structure and Tips
Opinion Essay Structure
In an opinion essay, you present your views on a subject, writing exclusively from one point of view.
Paragraph Structure
- Introduction: Explain the background of the situation and clearly state your opinion (thesis).
- Main Idea: Present your primary supporting argument.
- Supporting Idea: Present a secondary idea that supports your opinion.
- Conclusion: Restate your opinion and summarize your main points. Do not introduce new information.
Key Writing Tips
- Give specific reasons to support
Bilingualism’s Impact on Cognition and Learning
Bilingualism and Cognitive Development
The evidence is not conclusive as to whether a linguistic advantage transfers to more general cognitive skills. McLaughlin’s review of the literature, for example, concludes:
Read MoreIt seems clear that the child who has mastered two languages has a linguistic advantage over the monolingual child. Bilingual children become aware that there are two ways of saying the same thing. But does this sensitivity to the lexical and formal aspects of language generalize to cognitive
Mastering Written Communication: Text Types & Grammar Essentials
Textual Properties and Communication Principles
Suitability: Introduction to Textual Elements
Suitability refers to how well a text adapts to its context. Key elements include:
- Margins and Paragraphs: Proper formatting for readability.
- Bold and Italic Typeface: Effective use for emphasis.
- Spelling Rules: Adherence to linguistic legislation for credibility.
Textual Register: Adapting to Context
The register of a text depends on the issue, the channel, and the receiver. There are two main types:
- Formal Register:
Bilingualism, Language Acquisition, and CLIL in Education
Module 1: Bilingualism, Benefits, and Second Language Acquisition
1. Understanding Bilingualism
In the 1950s, it was commonly believed that learning a second language (L2) negatively affected one’s first language (L1) proficiency. However, this view evolved significantly.
In the 1980s, Jim Cummins’ Developmental Interdependence Hypothesis emerged, stating that second language acquisition depends on the development of one’s first language. If students have strong skills in their first language, they
Read MoreFoundations of Language Pedagogy: Innovators, Methods & Classroom Practice
Innovators in Foreign Language Teaching
This section explains the relevance of key innovators in foreign language teaching: Nebrija, Comenius, Madame Leprince, and A.S. Hornby.
Antonio de Nebrija: Pioneer of Spanish Grammar
Nebrija stands out in the history of the Spanish language due to his publication in 1492, La Gramática Castellana. This groundbreaking work on grammar was divided into four parts: one dedicated to spelling, the second to prosody, the third to etymology, and the fourth to syntax.
Read More