Due to the emerging trends in ELT,
there has been several shifts of focus in syllabus design such as structural,
situational, functional, task-based, among others. A number of ELT theorists
have argued that all these approaches to syllabus design are set on the learners’
language skills and that they have neglected the basic purpose of education,
i.e. “the betterment of individuals’ lives”. Thus, there is the surge of a new
notion, so called “life syllabus”, as a means that can end the complication of
linguistic syllabi by incorporating issues of concern of life into the
linguistic syllabus in order to launch the learner as a whole person in the
ring of practical life.
Now, the question is… how can I
turn my linguistic syllabus into a life one? The key point to answer this
question is given by adding 5 broad areas pertaining to emotional intelligence:
1) Intrapersonal competency (emotional
awareness, assertiveness, self-regard)
2) Interpersonal competency (
relationships, social responsibility, empathy)
3) Adaptability competency (problem-solving,
reality testing and flexibility)
4) Stress management (stress tolerance
and impulse control)
5) General mood (hapiness and
optimism)
A good example of activity,
including the topics mentioned above is like the one below… Have a check!
Please first take the following
questions, and then while trying to find some ways to cope with
them, discuss your answers with
your friends. Keep in mind you are expected to give reasons
for you answers.
1. The things which make me angry
are….
2. The situations which make me
nervous are…..
3. The situations which make me
feel more anxious are….
4. The kinds of people who make me
feel more agitated are….
5. The kinds of people who make me
feel sad are….
6. When I feel under stress I try
to….
7. The situations in which I cannot
adapt myself are….
8. When I see people trowing litter
on the street I feel…
9. When I need to concentrate for a
task I usually….
10. When I need to relax I tend
to…..
11. I feel very happy when…
12. When I can’t do something I want I …..
References: Pishghadan – Introducing ELT as a new approach in
EFL/ ESL studies (2011)
