Integrated Cirriculum Research Paper -- Essays Papers

Integrated Cirriculum Research Paper Integrated curriculums are constantly becoming more popular with educators each and every day. It seems that with this increased enthusiasm there should also be an increased activity of integration taking place within the classroom. This, however, does not seem to be the case. Math and Science integration has been widely talked about and supported by educators young and old, but critics state that there is little evidence to show the effectiveness of integration in the classroom. The reasons for the integration of subjects in the classroom are many and easily understood. â€Å"Mathematics and science can easily be integrated given that mathematics is often the â€Å"tool† for doing and understanding science.† (Furner, 1999) â€Å"The idea of connecting subject areas has considerable face validity, because it seems like common sense. In the real world, people’s lives are not separated into separate subjects; therefore, it seems logical that subject areas should not be separated in schools.† (Czerniak, 1999) Supporters of math and science integration want the overall picture to focus on the students. â€Å"Advocates cite the many advantages curriculum integration holds in helping students form deeper understandings, see the â€Å"big† picture, make curriculum relevant to students, make connections among central concepts, and become interested and motivated in school.† (Czerniak, 1999) The last part of this statemen t seems to be the most critical. If we, as educators, can increase student’s interest in math and science (where enthusiasm is usually rather low) then integration would appear to be the way to go. With increased enthusiasm come better grades and attitudes. Integration relates directly to the c... ...tive effectively that is, more students master the objective, learn it more quickly, retain it longer or can apply it in more diverse ways- the integrated strategy is probably a waste of time.† (Hoachlander 1999) This data leaves us with a problem that needs to be resolved. What can be done about math and science integration so that it is effective? The answer may lie somewhere in the middle. A more modest approach to integration would be to continue with separate classes but to integrate mathematics into the science course and/or science into the math course. (Judson 2000) Whatever the answer is that educators come up with for integration in the classroom, it will most definitely have a groundbreaking effect on education as we know it. But as of this moment, we need to integrate our ideas and efforts, so that finding the answer is that much easier!