A Comparative Study on the Current TESL Curriculum: Identifying a Match for Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0

Abstract

This paper examines TESL curriculum and how the curriculum relates to the training of the super skills needed in Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). Specifically, a comparative study on several TESL programmes offered in several public universities in Malaysia will provide the common trend among the universities and specific strengths of each university. Focus of comparison includes the programme outcomes (PO), discipline core courses offered, methods of delivery and assessment. The comparisons are made to shed some lights on how universities are providing relevant training for the pre-service English language teachers in meeting the demand of Industry Revolution 4.0. In addressing the relevance of the curriculum, a discussion on the super skills needed for IR 4.0, IR characteristics and components will be briefly provided. Findings that address the strengths and rooms for improvement in the current TESL programme curriculum in meeting the need of IR 4.0 could benefit policy makers, curriculum developer and TESL trainers.