Introduction
English language teaching around the world is taking new routes at an accelerated rhythm. As part of
a globalized world, Colombia has been trying to accommodate to the new dynamics. One way to do this is
through the de-contextualized implementation of standards adapted and/or adopted from overseas.
In Colombia the MEN (Ministry of National Education) is the entity that sets
the teaching-learning standards. It states that standards should be clear and serve
as public criteria for Colombians to know what is to be learned, and they are the
point of reference for the learner to know what he/she is able to learn and able
to do with what he/she knows. These standards are intended to be implemented
in all urban or rural, public or private schools of the country in order to have the
same quality in education (Ministry of National Education, 1999).
Task
To explore the English language standards stablished in Colombia and analyze their connection to textbooks used at public schools.
Process
- Read the following article: A perspective of the implications of the Common European Framework Implementation in the Colombian Socio-Cultural Context.
- Download the following documents about "Estándares Básicos de Competencias en Lenguas Extranjeras: Inglés" http://www.mineducacion.gov.co/cvn/1665/articles-115174_archivo_pdf.pdf http://www.mineducacion.gov.co/cvn/1665/articles-115174_archivo_pdf1.pdf
- Scan them through
- Download ONE of the "One way" workbooks http://aprende.colombiaaprende.edu.co/es/node/94010
- Analyze the workbook you have chosen taking into consideration the English Standards established in Colombia.
Ex: Do the activities intend to fulfill the descriptors that make part of the standards?
Is there a relationship between the standards and the activities proposed in the workbook you chose? If so, how are they connected?
Evaluation
Prepare a short power point presentation to report your findings
*Please support your arguments, show examples, etc.
Send it to leydi.hernandez@ugc.edu.co on Wednesday 29th before 6 o’clock.
Rubric https://www.dropbox.com/s/1i4e7mmr9852f77/rubric.png?dl=0
Conclusion
“Educational policies should not be implemented blindly without a careful
analysis of our contexts and without knowing the real needs"