This thesis undertakes a reformulation of ELT curricula by means of a critique of established theoretical models and a case study of the ELT curriculum at De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila. The thesis proceeds in accordance with the precise that a sound theoretical and philosophical perspective is crucial to any task of curriculum development and criticism and thus derives a theoretical/ philosophical perspective from a consideration of ELT in the context of the philosophy of education and linguistic, applied linguistic, sociolinguistic, learning and curriculum theories. The argument is presented that any model of language as communication derived from linguistics and applied linguistics is not amenable to translation into descriptive rules of 'use' and hence a pedagogic grammar. Such theoretical perspectives, in only deriving partial models of 'use', are largely inadequate in the context of a concern with language teaching. Input from cognitive learning theory however suggests that teaching language as communication requires a curriculum approach focusing on 'open' communicative procedures rather than systematic techniques premised on language description and exemplified by a syllabus-based structure. It is thus argued that communicative language teaching requires 'open', methodology-based procedures that provide a markedly subordinated role for syllabus. The advocated form of communicative language curriculum is thus described as employing an 'open' rather than a 'closed-system') approach. It is also maintained that the ELT debate on communicative curricula has largely ignored crucial issues in curriculum theory and the philosophy of education - especially the distinction between 'education' and 'training'. This theoretical debate enables the derivation of a revised taxonomy of language curricula to replace the orthodox dichotomy into General English and ESP. The argument is presented that there are essentially two approaches to the curriculum - closed-system and open approaches - and that within each approach there are two curriculum types. Through revised definitions, the intents of 6E and ESP curricula are distinguished and a new taxonomy of four possible curriculum types, including that of a Focused English Learning (FED curriculum, presented. The principles derived from the theoretical discussion and reformulated taxonomy enable an 'illuminative' case study investigation of an example curriculum: the ostensibly English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum for Engineers employed at DLSU. This case study, by examining curriculum justification and intent and illuminating the nature of the problem at the university, illustrates, by example, aspects of the reformulated taxonomy. The case study findings detail crucial aspects of the interface between theory and local practice and expose the curriculum at DLSU as inherently contradictory, based on an inaccurate notion of ESP, and principally concerned with the pursuit of broadly educational aims through a mainly training-based, closed-system and non-communicative curriculum. The thesis concludes by proposing that the orthodox dichotomy between GE and ESP curricula is inappropriate and fails to reflect the various and possible forms of curricular intent. This has been a consequence of a theoretical emphasis on linguistics and sociolinguistics and an inadequate consideration of the philosophy of education and learning and curriculum theories. The inadequacy of the established dichotomy has led to confusion in application (as demonstrated through the case study) that could be avoided through the adoption of the reformulated taxonomy.

This research was in the area of self-directed learning, largely resulting from the researcher's experience with it whilst in Australia. However, the intent of this study was to consider factors which would affect the implementation of self-directed learning principles into the Philippine context. Education in the Philippines can be described as primarily engaged in the transmission of knowledge. The structure and culture of education in the Philippines is one that largely supports a teacher-directed learning environment. Students are conditioned to be dependent on teachers and are used to studying with the security of a clear structural plan with very limited opportunities to apply self-directed learning principles. This approach to education produces static knowledge and denies the expression and cultivation of the learner. Hence, there is a need to promote self-directed learning as part of the curriculum. In attempting to introduce self-directed learning (SDL) in the Philippines, it is important to analyse student and instructor characteristics which could influence the extent to which it is applied in the undergraduate university curriculum. This research project gathers in-depth information on the conduciveness of integrating self-directed learning in the undergraduate curriculum of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. This exploratory study aimed to respond to the statement "What is the level of readiness for self-directed learning of undergraduate students from De La Salle University? What are the student's perceptions of education, their role in the educational process, the role of peers and the role of their instructors? What is the instructor's education orientation? What are the perception of instructors on the purpose of education, the nature of learners, characteristics of learning experiences, management of learning experiences, evaluation and the relationship between the educators and learners and between learners themselves? Are these perceptions similar and would it be possible to introduce self-directed learning principles to an undergraduate curriculum for traditional students in De La Salle University?" The response to these questions could be used in determining whether self-directed learning principles could in fact be applied in the Philippines, as well as determine the appropriate balance of pedagogical and andragogical instruction techniques. Twenty-three instructors and one hundred students from De La Salle University in the Philippines participated in the study. Instructors completed the Educational Orientation Questionnaire and students completed the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Survey. Follow up intewiews were also conducted to confirm findings resulting from the survey. Findings indicate that instructors have an orientation that is a combination of both pedagogical and andragogical techniques and that students perceive themselves as having self-directed learning readiness. As a number of learning situations already utilise andragogical and self-directed learning principles, the challenge is to promote and encourage SDL and implement it on a wider scope. Some recommendations have been included in this research on how to implement it in De La Salle University.