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-- integrated curriculum

Segmented disciplinary-based approach facilitates the attainment of specialized skills and concepts to a particular field of study. However, such rigid delineations are not reflective of the real world outside the boundaries of the schools. The world does not contain problems that are discipline specific and solved within regimented time-blocks. Rather, the everyday activities that occur outside of schools draw on principles and tools associated with a variety of disciplines.

In contrast to the segmented disciplinary approach, integrated curriculum emphasizes connections. The goal becomes to arrange content around overlapping concepts and themes, not to help students remember isolated facts.

For further discussion of integrated curriculum in an ecological paradigm, read the following articles:

Sasha Barab & Anita Landa(1997). Designing Effective Interdisciplinary Anchors.
Sasha Barab (2000). Ecologizing instruction through integrated units.

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Last updated May 10, 2001
URL: http://inkido.indiana.edu/research/integrat.html
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