Evaluation of an English program focused on the elements of the curriculum. A case study of a public high school in Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the English program of a public high school in Ecuador by considering the elements of the curriculum. In order to determine the students needs, the environmental factors that affect language learning, the conditions that support language teachers, and how evaluation is conducted, a mixed research study was conducted. Five teachers and five students were invited to participate in the study; three questionnaires containing open-ended and closed-questions and a checklist collected their perceptions on the elements of the curriculum. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data. Finally, it was found that the most remarkable factor that affects the curriculum is the lack of resources and updated textbooks for students and teachers. It was also found that the lack of promotion of training courses, lack of English proficiency of the teachers, and lack of teaching degrees are determining factors for the curriculum not to be developed effectively. Regarding assessment, it was found that teachers are aware of its principles and types of tasks; however, they claim they need more training in the EFL area.