EDG4376 Reflection #6

According to Shoemaker, an integrated curriculum is “education that is organized in such a way that it cuts across subject-matter lines, bringing together various aspects of the curriculum into meaningful association to focus upon broad areas of study. It views learning and teaching in a holistic way and reflects the real world, which is interactive.” This definition, to me, is what education should be all about. Schooling is not just science, or math, or reading, or the FCAT. It is about bringing all these concepts together with the ultimate goal of raising children; teaching them social skills, the psychology of life, and how to succeed effectively in this increasingly complex and demanding society. The real world today is not always an easy place to be, and it is imperative to know how to interact with others successfully. Furthermore, educators need to focus on molding children into wise, worldly, and productive citizens. An interactive curriculum, if employed correctly, can achieve just that. Linking together various academic subjects can assist learners in developing thematic relationships and meaningful associations, ultimately creating their own individualized paradigm of the world.

Everett defines interdisciplinary curriculum as “one that combines several school subjects into one active project since that is how children encounter subjects in the real world-combined in one activity.” An integrated curriculum teaches children lifelong lessons and prepares them for learning that lasts. Additionally, people are mentally stimulated when challenged and/or presented with a network of unfamiliar information or concepts. And personally, I believe Everett is right on target. Children eventually graduate high school and make a choice to attend college or go to work. Either way, the real world combines everything they have learned in school up until that point. College students must multi-task, learn how to manage time and stress, and act responsibly on a daily basis. Employable citizens do the same, often encountering mathematics, science, social studies, and psychology at work as well. The earlier students are introduced to a multitude of subjects and skills simultaneously, the better off they will be once introduced into the world.