The Knowledge Explosion
The current trends in education are moving educators toward adoption of an integrated curriculum. What is now referred to as the integrated curriculum was once known as interdisciplinary studies. Integration focuses on the organization of central themes or concepts combining several subjects. These themes, or concepts, allow students to interconnect information between subject areas. Giving students this skill will enable them to combine information in large quantities, assess the quality and validity of information, and help them to determine the importance of any given context. Replacing the isolated subject areas with an integrated curriculum develops in the student an interrelated view of learning.
There are two common models for curriculum integration, the Daisy Model and the Rose Model. Independent subjects are organized around a central theme in the Daisy Model. The subjects refer back to the theme but are taught separately. The theme is represented by the center of the daisy surrounded by the unique and separate petals which represent subjects. On the other hand, the petals of the rose are intertwined symbolizing the fully integrated subjects of the Rose Model. The focus of the Rose Model is on a particular theme rather than individual subjects. The subjects are united under one theme and are taught simultaneously through the exploration of that theme.(Martin, D. J., 2000).
Curriculum integration has become a way to redirect the aims and purposes of schooling because of its positive benefits for students. James Beane has found evidence that shows that "we have known for many years that movement in this direction benefits both young people and their teachers"(1992). One positive aspect of this curriculum is that students see the relevance of the instruction because of the connections made among subject areas(McDonald, J., 1994). This makes the instruction less abstract and more applicable to real life(Berlin, D. F., 1994). Students then tend to search for meanings and answers to their questions instead of simply memorizing facts to pass exams(Beane, J, 1992). Ms. M, a fifth grade teacher in Maryland, has observed this element of integration in the actions of her students. They seem more motivated by the subject matter when they can relate it to their personal experiences and other parts of their education. In addition, she noticed that the students had a better sense of accomplishment when they could draw from previous instruction and tie together information from each subject. Students who feel successful will acquire the skills necessary for cooperation, socialization, communication and self-motivation.
Connected to this theme is the development of a shared, lived experience, where students and teacher are involved in an ongoing negotiation of curriculum. In the first 13 chapters, Paley’s central focus is to develop a learning community within the safety of the classroom. In the second half of her book, Paley illustrates how the combination of these two themes in turn offers an opportunity for what we call an opening up of the definition of curriculum. This review is an analysis of these three themes within the organizational framework of Paley’s book. The theme of children and teachers as co-creators of curriculum is established in the first chapter when Paley says, “Each year I wait to be reawakened by a Reeny … something to ponder deeply and expand upon extravagantly” (p.10). Reeny responds to this call by asserting herself early on as a curriculum leader in Paley’s classroom. Because children themselves are curriculum makers and leaders, curriculum cannot be imposed upon the learner. Ultimately, this opening up of the discussion of what curriculum means is established by Reeny in the last lines of the book when she announces: “But I’m thinking, why don’t you stay and we’ll talk about it. Don’t fly away. See we can keep talking about it, okay?” (p. 99). It is in Reeny’s utterance that we understand—the curriculum conversation must necessarily begin with students’
was made for younger adults. The information that was different from both books is that
This integrative and alternative curriculum “would include cross-curricular objectives and be grounded on powerful learning environments” ones that include problem- and project- based tasks and promote student autonomy and control of the learning process (Alahiotis & Stavlioti, 2006, p.122). Inter- and intra- disciplinary knowledge is important to be included in curricular materials. Furthermore, it is noted that this approach is both content and process oriented and that is why is so deman...
'Making cognitive connections, within subjects and between subjects...' ( Piaget 1977, Cockburn and Haylock 2008,Rose 2009) is an aspect of cross-curricular learning. Generally speaking, cross-curricular learning is when skills, knowledge and attitudes of a number of disciplines which are applied to a single experience, problem, question, theme or idea. In simple terms, it's also known as a thematic approach. From this point, I'd be exploring the reasons why a thematic approach should be adopted in the classroom and this approach could deliver the four core subjects in the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1. On top of that I'd be exploring the issues raised of adopting a cross-curricular approach and the implications of using a theme-based unit of integrating various subjects within a theme.
A flexible academic integrated instruction or behavioral support that it’s provided and adjusted to every student need to promote success for all.
The Integrated Curriculum Model has three main dimensions advanced content, process/product, and issues/themes. The first dimension, advanced content, is content that it at a higher level. In English Language Arts the readings are usually two grade levels above. Within advanced content, diagnostic-prescriptive approaches are used to promote new learning. Teachers are to continually pre-assess students before teaching content to make sure they are teaching at the appropriate level for the gifted students. In the second facet of the model it ensures that the students are thinking and processing information at higher complex levels. The third dimension of the Integrated Curriculum Model centers gifted and talented students learning around major issues and themes. To connect the themes and issues to real world applications is creating a deeper understanding of the material.
In conclusion, education is broader than just falling into what the contemporary school system has to offer. Both Gatto and Graff proved this by explain how conforming students to certain perspectives of education limits their potential in other educational branches that interest the students. Also, curricula should bring a balance between making a school a place for obtaining information, and accommodating the educational demands for each individual student. It is imperative to understand that reforming the academic system, by fine-tuning schools to have its students learn what exactly they are interested in, will lead to having students accessing their full intellectual potential.
Music integration into a general subject area "provides solid links for learning" (Cane, 2012, p. 34). Students are more capable of linking subjects, such as music and science, together. Also, music integration has been found to improve students' achievement and motivation within the classroom. Sale and Osborn (2013) say, "Students can learn through their visual sense, applying pictures and architecture to the music they are studying" (p. 54). Teachers can integrate music with other disciplines, such as history or mathematics, but also with other arts, such as drama or art. Examples of drama in music are easy to see, and teachers can use art to inspire even a young student in achieving a beautiful sound.
Regardless of how the curriculum is organized, administrators must assure there is a balance of content areas addressed in the curriculum so that children develop a broad foundation of skills and knowledge that will prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond (Gadzikowski 2013). Everyone has a role to play and giving children the opportunity to learn is the main reason why the education field has set standards and guides to help plan a high-quality program and effective curriculum. Make decisions based on the learning and developmental needs of children, focus on their cognitive, affective and physical domains, use classroom management techniques and daily schedules to enhance their experience and pay attention to your programs philosophies,
One of my most influential experiences took place with my very first class, ED 523 taught by Dr. Howe. In this course, I learned about the Understanding by Design (UbD) Framework created by Wiggins and McTighe. This framework focuses on a backward design approach that uses big ideas, essential questions, and authentic assessments to create and guide curriculum (Wiggins and McTighe, 2005). The design encourages educators to “start with the end in mind.” Along with UbD, I also learned about a calendar-based curriculum mapping process created by Heidi Hayes Jacobs. The curriculum map allows for educators to examine curriculum both horizontally in a course and also vertically over the student’s K-12 academic career (Jacobs, 1997).
In conclusion we have seen the different ways these textbooks use learning stratagies and multiple methodologies to meet the requirements of the Spanish school system. Penny Ur's comparison of the a tapestry is a very good metephor for integrated skills. We could say the topic is the warp, and the different skills, the weft. All of them are intertwined to form a tapestry. They all build on each other, producing a pleasing product, whether it be a competent language learner, or a decorative item. Neither of these books is perfect, but they could be complmented with additional material to form our pleasing work of art.
In certain types of children’s literature the child is asked to use their imagination to travel to a different time, or a different place. Throughout history, and more recently, fantasy stories as well as science fiction have grown in popularity. The idea of being able to visit these different places and meet new characters, think of book like Harry Potter, that was later made into several movies, or The Chronicles of Narnia. In these types of books, the character is relatable as well as other parts of the tale. The author will then twist reality as we know it and take the reader in a new direction. This form of storytelling is used not only for children’s literature but also in those meant for adults, adding mystery, suspense , and common
In 1949, a small book had a big impact on education. In just over one hundred pages, Ralph W. Tyler presented the concept that curriculum should be dynamic, a program under constant evaluation and revision. Curriculum had always been thought of as a static, set program, and in an era preoccupied with student testing, he offered the innovative idea that teachers and administrators should spend as much time evaluating their plans as they do assessing their students.
I believe my experience in education allowed me to make valuable contribution throughout the process of designing and creating the Arts-Integrated curriculum–related lesson plan with my group. During the initial group meeting one group member was not presented and as a result I felt worried about our group being able to do a good job. In addition, the first meeting began with no direction, as members of the group presented many ideas for the project. Thus, after thirty minutes of dialogue I began to feel frustrated. After listening to my group members I finally offered the suggestion to the group for us to look at the Department of Education (DOE) of Massachusetts website as a framework to our project. I informed the group that the DOE had specific learning objectives for each grade level per subject. Interestingly, not all members of the group knew this information that I had provided. I believe this helped us as a group come together in a more focused direction of what we wanted to
Starr, L. (2011, June 14). Education World. Retrieved 11 2, 2013, from Technology Integration/ Ideas That Work: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech176.shtml