KOTESOL National Conference 2018
Research Report (20 minutes)
Sean Gay, Kwansei Gakuin University
Research-Based Curriculum Development - The Process
Abstract
Research-based curriculum development is about utilizing research to implement pedagogically sound curricula with equally sound content. The development of curricula is, however a process. This presentation examines the role that research plays at each level of curriculum development. In addition, this presentation examines what type of research is needed at each phase of curriculum development and best practices for implementation. This begins with developing appropriate goals for the class. The choice of goals is the foundation of the syllabus. This leads to an informed decision-making process that allows the teacher to develop a sound class. However, the class requires a reflexive mechanism for continued development based on feedback. This presentation will examine a specific year-long example of action research designed to test this process. The presenter will give examples of how the process informed the research, and how the research helped develop a stronger understanding of how the process needed to function. The presenter will conclude with a model of research-based curriculum development that can be utilized in a broad range of teaching contexts. The model will offer over-arching principles that define research-based curriculum development, but it will also offer specific aspects which need to be addressed in most teaching contexts. Finally, the presenter will offer implications for this research and discuss plans for continuation of this research project.
Biographicals
Sean Gay is an Associate Lecturer of English at Kwansei Gakuin University in Sanda. He has a MS in TESOL and PhD in Health Services. His research interests include: research-based curriculum development, disaster management, CLIL, identity in EFL, and critical thinking in EFL.
See the list of Presentations at the KOTESOL 2018 National Conference
