Transcript Integrated_Curriculum

Curriculum Integration
Explanations, research, and methods for
implementation.
By Andrea Bertel
& Chantel Brisson
What is an Integrated Curriculum?
An integrated curriculum is one that builds
connections between various subjects and reflects
on real-world situations.
Four Models
Discipline-Based
Parallel
Multidisciplinary
Interdisciplinary
Other Elements Involved
Cross-curricular assessments
Sources other than the textbook
Flexible student scheduling
Group work
What are the Most Common
Methods of Integrating the
Curriculum?
Fragmented: separate subjects.
Connected: Topics within a subject are connected.
Nested: Social, thinking, and content skills are taught within a
subject.
Sequenced: Similar ideas are taught together across subjects, but
subjects remain separate.
Shared: Teaching 2 subjects which focuses on shared concepts &
skills
Webbed: Thematic teaching
Threaded: Thinking, social, and study skills are connected
throughout the subjects
Integrated: Examining subjects for related skills and concepts
Immersed: integrates by viewing all learning through the
perspective of one area of interest
Networked: Learner uses a network of experts and resources to
direct the integration process
(cont.)
Government and Statistics: Polling methods
World history and Geometry: Greeks
Literature and geometry: Flatland
Chemistry and Algebra: Balancing equations
Mathematics and Art/Architecture: Design of cathedrals
Economics and Calculus: Law of Diminishing Utility
World History and Astronomy: Astrolabe
English and Government: Logical fallacies and Politics
Psychology and Geography: Urban planning
Art and History: Time period in which art was created
Literature and History/Government: Invisible Man
Biology and Statistics: Genetics
Math and Geography: 2000 Census
How do Learning Theories Support
the Use of Curriculum Integration?
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Students learn through examination,
experimentation, and discovery, which a
carefully planned curriculum can provide.
Through an integrated curriculum, teachers can
create a more interactive environment which
students thrive in
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
Group activities teach students they are
responsible for their own moral growth.
Opportunities to debate and be exposed to
different views on a subject help give students
decide what is right and wrong
(cont.)
Brain-Based Learning
Helps social, emotional, moral, and
physical development while nourishing
intellectual development.
Encourages students to work together
Multiple Intelligences
An integrated curriculum can take
advantage of all 8 intelligences, to work
with every student's strength.
How does Current Research
Support the Use of Integrated Units
of Study?
Content Knowledge
Students involved in integrated curriculum programs
perform at the same level and sometimes do better than
students in traditional separate-subject classes.
Students also remain in school longer, work harder,
appreciate school more.
Attitudes
Develop team spirit
Better work habits
More motivated, which in turn reduces behavior problems
Higher attendance
How does an Integrated Curriculum
Support Student Achievement of
Standards?
Teachers use standards to set up
themes to use for their units.
Evidence of students reaching the
standards can be seen when the
student:
Able to demonstrate knowledge of the
standards.
Completes homework more frequently.
Becomes more motivated.
Why Integrated Curriculum is
Appropriate for Young Learners
Promotes a student centered approach that
takes the experience of young learners as
a starting point for curriculum
Helps students apply skills
Multiple perspectives lead to a more
integrated knowledge base
Integrated knowledgebase leads to faster
retrieval of information
Encourages depth in learning
Promotes positive attitudes in students
Support Learning for Special Needs
and ESOL Students
Provides opportunities for cross-cultural
sharing
Potentially difficult concepts may be
explained and modeled
Provides many opportunities for students to
demonstrate competency in a variety of
ways such as art and role playing
Group activities allow students to share
everything they can and motivates them,
they take responsibility for their own
learning
Planning for an Integrated Unit
Select a Theme
Must be interesting & meaningful to the student
Select a Key Concept to Guide Instruction
Should provide clear focus for all instruction and
learning
Tasks should encourage students to investigate,
speculate and problem solve
Ask questions that enable students to explore topics
more fully
Identify skills and strategies
Specific skills can be taught through structured and
carefully planned minilessons
For students who require in-depth teaching specific
skills may be taught through more interactive lessons
Assessing for Specific Content
Knowledge and Skills
Formal Assessment
Specific tests of reading and writing and use of
language
Informal Assessment
Observations of discussion groups, journals,
checklists, noting improvement in oral language
on a daily basis, reflections of minilessons and
learning team reports
Integrated Curriculum Controversy
The need to maintain integrity of subject area may
not be getting met
Although Integrated Curriculum is occurring in a
variety of ways, there is no agreement on what it
means
Research findings are limited and inconclusive
Some approaches have been found to enhance learning
for some learners in some contexts while others have
been found to have little benefit
Requires a lot:
Planning takes a lot more time
requires more than just curriculum change, also requires
specialist to look beyond established boundaries