Developing English curriculum in primary schools: Dos and Don ts

This study aims to study developing English curriculum in the first period (grades1-3) of primary schools in Iran. The method is descriptive which was carried out by collecting data from successful Asian countries in teaching English as a foreign language. Then the viewpoints of national experts on the subject were collected through three researcher made questionnaires by Delphi method. All “absolutely agree” or “relatively agree” viewpoints were selected. In the third pause of the questionnaire confirmed views were evaluated and viewed. Average, standard deviation and one sample T-test was conducted for 5 point rating scale of the questionnaire. Due to the research results most of the experts (average of 4/64) believed that teaching English in primary school is essential and the aims of teaching English as well as language skills were determined from the experts’ viewpoints. Since there is a growing tendency from parents for learning English in the early years of primary schooling it seems that implementing English education to primary curriculum can support the establishment of an equanimity education for all the students.