3 Points to Consider When Designing a Course Syllabus
Good day, today I want to talk about syllabus design. During 3 years of intensive teaching experience in China. I noticed that all students have different behavior and activity in the classroom. At first, I associated it with different climates in families. But many children who were bad in some of the activities have good families. I want to remind you that I work with the first group of young learners.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aleksandr R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Anticipated Problems
Problems were observed the following characters: the inability to draw elementary objects, difficulties with concentration, perseverance, someone could in the middle of the lesson get up and start dancing or singing, someone was very closed and shy, someone through the dibs noisy and did not feel the silence, someone was very smart in my opinion, but did not interact with other students and kept to himself, rejecting the whole concept of the lesson, but still continuing to be on it.
All this I analyzed consciously and remember each of the students with problematic behavior in my opinion, but also remember their positive and strong qualities. After trying to solve the problem and find the reasons I made a discovery for myself in the form of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, it so enriched my experience that now I started to try to take into account these 8 intelligences when design syllabus.
Also Read: Should I take a TEFL course online or in a classroom?
Multiple Intelligences
Here is a list of the 8 intelligences that each person has according to the theory:
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence.
- Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence.
- Body-Kinesthetic Intelligence.
- Musical Intelligence.
- Interpersonal Intelligence.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence.
- Naturalistic Intelligence.
Some intelligences are more pronounced and what can be developed. It follows that ideally, the plan should include lessons with classes that develop this entire list of intellects
Actually, I used intuitive or experience-exchange used schemes of lessons that are somehow included activities that touched on most of these intellects. But after taking courses at ITTT TEFL120 and CTYEL, I learned how to do it professionally.
Also Read: TEFL Breakdown - What Subjects Will Your TEFL Course Cover?
Types of Activities
And so what activities develop Visual-Spatial Intelligence? Reading, putting puzzles together, interpreting pictures, drawing, painting, and the visual arts.
What activities develop Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence? Telling stories, things explanation, debating or giving persuasive speeches, reading and tracing words or letters.
What activities develop Logical-Mathematical Intelligence? Scientific experiments, logical games, lego, thinking about abstract ideas.
What activities develop Body-Kinesthetic Intelligence? Dancing and sports exercises, handmade crafts, physical coordination activities.
Also Read: Top 10 Qualities Every Great Teacher Should Have
What activities develop Musical Intelligence? Songs and melodies, rhythm, playing musical instruments.
What activities develop Interpersonal Intelligence? communicating verbally, nonverbal communication, seeing situations from different perspectives, creating positive relationships with others, resolving conflict in groups.
What activities develop Intrapersonal Intelligence? Analyzing his or her strengths and weaknesses (tests), analyzing theories and ideas (questions), a clear understanding of the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings (conversations).
What activities develop Naturalistic Intelligence? All activities about botany, biology, and zoology, camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring Nature.
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And in conclusion, I want to say that I have become an ardent supporter of the Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and will always rely on it and advise to get acquainted with all who have to do with children's education, development, and psychology. All the best and thank you for you.
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