Curriculum Integration
Clover Park Middle School adopted the approach to learning in 2002. Both schools on this Campus use this approach. Many schools integrate areas of learning based around a central idea or theme. However, this model of Curriculum Integration involves students in the negotiation and decision-making about what topics they want to study. Our model involves young people in participatory action research, in the study of issues and concerns that impact on their lives, families, and communities – and provides them with the tools to make change in the world.
Using this integrated approach our students cover the New Zealand Curriculum in ways that make learning relevant.
Our staff are highly qualified in this approach and we have worked closely for many years with the pioneer of this model, Professor James Beane, from Madison, Wisconsin. Professor Beane was a consultant in the development of the new NZ Curriculum.
Qualities of the Curriculum Integration Teacher:
- Respects the dignity of young people.
- Listens carefully.
- Sees diversity as a source of strength.
- Wants students to think about Big Ideas.
- Has a deep interest in excellence and equity.
Curriculum Integration involves three major aspects:
1. Integration of Experiences
The ideas that people have about themselves and their world (perceptions, beliefs, values, etc.) are constructed out of their experiences. What we learn from reflecting on our experiences becomes a resource for dealing with problems, issues and other situations, both personal and social, as they arise in the future.
2. Social Integration
The participation of young adolescents in curriculum planning follows from the democratic concept of participatory, collaborative decision making. The inclusion of personal issues alongside social problems follows from the democratic possibility of integrating self and social interest.
3. Integration of Knowledge
When we are confronted some problem or puzzling situation in our lives, we take on the problem or situation using whatever knowledge is appropriate or useful without regard for subject-area lines. A growing body of research suggests that such "contextualising" of knowledge does make it more accessible, especially when those contexts are linked to the life experiences of young people.
- The curriculum is organized around problems and issues that are of personal and social significance in the real world.
- Learning experiences are organised so as to integrate knowledge in a meaningful, authentic context.
- Knowledge is developed to further understanding of the context rather than to pass a test.
- Emphasis is placed on the application of that knowledge – the performing of knowledge.
- Students participate in the planning.
Curriculum Integration is about integrating learning with students’ life experiences and realities. It is about problem solving and developing critical thinking. It is about developing social awareness and citizenship. It is ‘high pedagogy’.
Last Updated Sunday, February 21 2010 @ 09:08 AM CST|258 Hits 
