Types of
Syllabus
Shana Mahmood Khan
What is
Syllabus?
A syllabus is a document that describes
the organization and content of a
particular course of study. It acts as a
guide for both teachers and
students, outlining the course's
objectives, assignments, assessments,
and other relevant details. (Wagner,
Krahnke (1987) identified six types of
language education syllabuses, including:
0 0 0
1 2 3
Structural Functional Situational
0 0 0
4 5 6ontent-
C
Skill-Based Task-Based
Based
01
Structural Syllabus
In education, a structural syllabus involves
systematically breaking down a subject
into basic components, emphasizing
understanding fundamental concepts
before tackling more complex topics. It
focuses on teaching underlying laws and
patterns in a systematic manner.
For example:
Highlights grammar and language form
as crucial elements, covering classical
grammatical categories, sentence
forms, and morphology.
Synthetic nature entails analyzing
linguistic components and applying
rules and patterns.
02
Functional Syllabus
In this approach, the history curriculum is
organized around hypothetical themes
or functions of historical events. For
instance, students explore the notional
category of "conflict and resolution,"
studying various events to emphasize the
practical applications of historical
knowledge in understanding patterns of
For example:
Focuses on language as a tool for communication,
emphasizing its functions and conceptions.
Commonly used in communicative language
instruction.
03
Situational Syllabus
Situational syllabi in education involve
presenting information or skills in
diverse contexts. In history, this might
mean understanding historical events
from multiple perspectives, considering
the diverse contexts and settings that
shaped them.
For example:
Explores language in varied contexts,
categorizing information into limbo,
tangible, and mythological.
Emphasis may be placed on grammar,
pronunciation, vocabulary, functions,
concepts, and discourse.
04
Skill-Based Syllabus
In a skill-based history syllabus, the focus
is on learning specific historical skills,
including critical analysis of original
sources, evaluating evidence credibility,
and constructing well-reasoned arguments
using data.
For example:
Emphasizes language skills (reading, writing,
speaking, and listening) as independent
competencies.
Skill-based training aims to develop these
skills for various contexts.
05
Task-Based Syllabus
Task-based education involves creating
experiences where students apply
knowledge to real-world problems. In
literature, this might mean analyzing and
interpreting works through creative
projects, fostering critical thinking and
creativity.
For example:
Employs non-instructional exercises for
language acquisition.
Tasks have real-world applications,
measurable results, and demand higher-
order thinking. Language is imparted as
needed during task completion.
06
Content-Based Syllabus
A content-based approach in history
education combines studying a specific
period with developing critical
investigation and analytical skills.
This ensures that the acquisition of
information aligns with broader academic
competencies.
For example:
Instructs language through content delivery.
Originating in immersion programs, it involves
simultaneous learning of language and subject
matter.
Recently, it's associated with effective
instruction for Limited English Proficiency
(LEP) students. The students that learn
English but need a special assistant.
References
● Irfani, B. (2017). Syllabus design for English courses. English
Education: Jurnal Tadris Bahasa Inggris, 6(1), 21-41.
● Krahnke, K.J. (1987) Approaches to Syllabus for Foreign
Language Teaching. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.
● Wagner, J. L., Smith, K. J., Johnson, C., Hilaire, M. L., &
Medina, M. S. (2023). Best practices in syllabus design.
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(3),
ajpe8995.
