Integrated Curriculum

An integrated curriculum is one that brings different subject matters together in meaningful and relevant ways.  It uses cooperative learning that goes beyond the textbook to relate content to real world contexts.

The only concerns I have about implementing this type of teaching is that is not necessarily parallel the types of testing that students are given.  However, I believe that using this method of teaching will help to deepen students understanding about multiple concepts related to a range of subjects.  It will take a great deal more planning at the beginning of the year but I feel that in the long run, it will help to save time in the classroom and allow students to spend more time investigating and discussing the content material with their peers.  Without structured time slots for individual subjects, content related to multiple subjects can be taught, analyzed and reviewed throughout the day.

I feel that the reason we do not see more of this type of teaching in schools is because it does not teach to the test.  Teachers are under so much pressure to have their students perform well on standardized tests that they are more inclined to teach the material for reading, writing and math, and let other subject areas fall to the wayside.

That being said, I think that there is a place for integrated curriculum in the classroom.  This type of teaching gives the time and attention to other content areas that is otherwise lost.  Teachers can still cover all the necessary math and language arts skills their students will be assessed on at the end of the year, but they will be providing meaningful experiences for their students through science, technology, and the arts.  I understand why integrated teaching has been lost in schools but I do not feel that it is something that should continue to be ignored.

If we as teachers are really trying to be the most effective we can be and set our students up for success, why not teach through engaging and relevant tasks that relate to their own lives? It may take more time and planning on our part, but I am confident that the resulting change in student learning will be well worth it.