How we work; syllabus design, the training cycle and quality assurance.
Syllabus design.
At Discourse, we use what is known as a “negotiated syllabus”. Complex sounding name, but the reality of it is quite simple.
First, you talk and we listen. We want to know why you or your company need English and what you want from the course. We then use our experience and knowledge to identify the specific areas of English that need improvement.
This information is then combined to produce the syllabus. It is personal to your needs, addresses your wants and provides a clear path for the course to follow.
The graphic below illustrates the concept.
The training cycle.
This is an ongoing process. Each syllabus maps out approximately the next three months of the course, after which the process is repeated. This has numerous benefits.
• The longer we work together, the better we get to know your needs and the more focused we can be in addressing them.
• The course is paced according to the student, not a text book or other external elements.
• Makes students feel the course is “theirs” and increases motivation
Ensuring Quality in training.
Discourse uses various means to ensure quality training.
- Only suitably qualified and experienced trainers
- Ensuring trainers participate in ongoing professional development
- Regular monitoring of trainers in class and an annual assessment
- Feedback on the course from participants through the use of anonymous online surveys
- Use of course syllabus
- Progress tests based on course aims