learning journey to smss

LJ to SMSSIntegrated Humanities

Curriculum Design

• Teacher determines the success of the curriculum

• Link between what is planned, enacted and experienced

• Look at the literature

• Visit NIE (Library & Talk to Experts)

Why Integrate?

• To experiment

• To meet a need

• Fill a gap

• Correct a situation

• Integration an approach

• It is natural

• MOE is going to introduce an integrated syllabus

Why IH?

• Observations

• Thinking and Knowledge in Silos

• Unable to make connections between what is learnt in the classroom and the real world

Why IH?

• Benefits of Curriculum Integration

• Make connections between classroom and real life

• Increase students cognitive development

• Practical application

• Make learning more meaningful

• Active construction of knowledge

Objectives of IH

• To help students see the connections between Geography and History

• To provide a broad perspective

Frameworks

• PETALS

• Tone of Environent

• Fogarty’s Models of Integration

• Shared / Integrated Models

• UbD

• Explanation, Interpretation

IH

Geography

History

Themes

• Sec 1

• Change and Continuity

• Sec 2

• Vulnerability & Tenacity

What is IH @ SMSS

• Taught mostly by 1 teacher as a single subject (currently)

• 6 - 30min periods a week

• Team teaching

• To solve the problem of the lack of knowledge and skills (at the beginning)

Assessment

• Summative Assessment

• Formative Assessment

• Bonus Assessment

Exam PaperSections Sec 1 Sec 2

MCQ Y

SBQ/SEQ Y Y

Scenario Based Y Y

Map Skills Y Y

Example of Scenario

• You are a minister, there is a problem...you are given three solutions. Which is the best solution? Why not the other two?

Concerns / Challenges

• Capacity Building and Professional Development

• Need to get core group of teachers ready

• Rigor of Curriculum

• Systemic Issues

Challenges

• Teacher ability and focus area

• Familiarization with content and skills for Geography and History

• Team teaching

• Guidance by more experienced teachers

Challenges

• Constantly on the look out for relevant materials

• Collaborative culture in school

• Preparation of Assessment

• Students need to be reminded that content mastery alone is insufficient

Literature

• Wineburg, S. & Grossman, P. (2002) Interdisiplinary Curriculum: Challenges to Implementation.

• Fogarty, R. (1991). ‘How to Integrate the Curriculum’ Paletine: IRI/Skylight Publishing Inc.

• Project Zero Website

• www.pz.harvard.edu/