Syllabus Design

A functional-notional approach

What is a Functional-Notional
syllabus?
Syllabus which focuses on the functions
being the primary organizing feature.
The course content highlights functions as
the main feature and not grammatical
structures.
It is based on two important aspects notions
and functions

Defining notions and functions

Notion:
Notions mean aspects such as space, time,
movement, cause and effect.
Function:
While functions mean the intentional or
purposive use of language.

Functional-notional syllabus in EFL

context
A notional functional approach to syllabus is
good for an EFL context because it aims to
develop communicative competence in the
learner. Not only does he know the language,
he also knows how to use it when the time
requires.

Students needs
To undertake the course as a compulsory
requirement.
To be able to understand the course material.
To be able to develop language competence
through this course.
To be able to use language in real life
situations for their own benefits and
interests.

Goals
Goals of this syllabus is
To consider discourse into context.
To develop the socio-linguistic competence of
the learners.
To develop conversational fluency among the
learners.
To improve overall English language
communication of the students.

Objectives
objectives of the course are to
Develop the communicative aspect along with
the grammar and situational factors.
Sustain the motivation of learners as
communicative competence is targeted.
Provide the learners with a variety of
language functions.

About learners and the course

Level: Class 7th
Class Time: 45 mins
Age: 11-12 years
Course name: English
Course type: compulsory
Setting: EFL context

Rationale for Syllabus type

This syllabus type is selected because
It will enable the learners to not only pass the exam
but also be able to use language in real life depending
to communicate their own interests and terms.
To highlight the importance of speaking and listening
apart from reading and writing (which are generally
more focused in our language learning and teaching
scenario)
It will minimize students reliance on rote learning.
It also provides more chances of student-student
interaction.

Syllabus shape
Syllabus shape selected is STORYLINE.
Rationale for selection:
Progression becomes easy to show in
functional-notional syllabus.
Advantageous for functional-notional type.
Thematic continuity.

SYLLABUS DESIGN
SYLLABUS FOR 1 WEEK

Function

Expone Situati
nts
on

Notion Lexic
al

Gramm
ar

Asking
directions
and
respondin
g to
instructio
ns,

Where
should----( I
turn?)

Directi
on,
locatio
n

simple
Going for
present
shopping
tense
(imperati
ve) +
should

You
should---(turn
right
from
the
crossro
ad)

On the
road

Traffi
c
signal,
zebra
crossi
ng,
traffic
consta
ble,
pedest
rians,
detour
,
rules,
autom
obiles,
navig
ation,
crossr
oads,

Topic

Function

Expone Situati
nts
on

Notio
n

Lexic
al

Gramm
ar

Topic

Asking
for
informati
on (price,
material)

How
At the
much is market
it?

Quanti
ty
(How
much)
quality
(size
and
shape)

price
clothe
s,
adject
ives
of
size,
colour
,
shape
etc.

Simple
present.
(1st form
of verb)

Shopping

It is
------

Functio Expo
n
nents

Situat Noti
ion
on

Lexi
cal

Gram
mar

Asking
for
informa
tion,
suggesti
ons
suggesti
ng

At the
travel
agenc
y
(plann
ing a
trip)

Train
,
plan
e,
bus
(mea
ns of
trave
l)
Tick
et,
Rese
rvati
on,
acco
mod
ation
,
hotel
,
cam
ping

Simple Going on
present holiday
tense
(1st
form
of
verb) +
modals

What/
where
shoul
d--You
shoul
d----

Time
(spec
ific
time)
,
oblig
ation
(mod
al)

Interro
gative,
affirma
tive

Topic

Evaluation
At the end of the week they will have to
- Write a dialogue between two friends in which
one of them is planning a holiday and the other
is advising on what to do.
- In the next week they will be tested upon
what they have learnt previously through a
class test.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
Communicatively useful expressions.
Suitable for beginners.
Focus on communication.
Disadvantages:
Not much analytical.
Fluency at the expense of accuracy.

Thank You

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