Evaluation of an English Language Program to identify the Elements of the Curriculum. A Case Study of a Private and a Public High School in Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract:The present research work is an evaluation of an English language program focused on the elements of the curriculum. A case study of a private and a public high school in Ecuador. It explores student s needs, environment factors, and teaching conditions, application of the principles of assessment, and types of tasks for assessing students. The study applied quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the data were collected through questionnaires and surveys to gain relevant information. Moreover, the investigation involved five students and five teachers from a public high school, and five teachers from a private high school in the city of Loja. The results revealed that students needs were partially considered in teaching; however, some other needs were not taken into account. On the contrary, the teaching conditions of teachers who worked at public institutions need to be improved to achieve the objectives stated in the curriculum. Finally, the results reflected that teachers at private high schools apply the principles of assessment, using them as a whole, and the type of tasks to assess students are the ones that involved interactivity.