Liriodendron tulipifera: A Look at Tennessee and Carbon Dioxide

Theory And Research To Support Integration

In The Seven Laws of Teaching, John Milton Gregory (2004) argues that learning should begin where the student is competent and confident. This is beneficial in that it allows the student’s ownership and value in his/her knowledge and work. As a result, the instructor should build up, or scaffold, from a clear starting point and lead with the immediate next real knowledge that the student needs to investigate the concept further. As the instructor connects past lessons with the current learning, the learning continues in a measured and intentional manner. The instructor paces content appropriately and checks for learning. Ultimately, this culminates in an illustration or explanation by the student in regards to the clear application and use of this knowledge.

This method is a great practice to engage in within the individual classroom. However, it excels in usefulness in an integrated unit. This practice lends itself to discovery, teamwork, and practical application of, possibly, an otherwise seemingly useless concept. Integrated units empower students to apply the knowledge and concepts that they will acquire in individual classrooms to a broader experience and understanding. Culminating projects or assessments can then be focused on creating, applying, and using the knowledge, rather than simply recalling it.

In the authors’ experience, integration is hard, but beneficial. Many problems that will inhibit integration-from scheduling to time spent covering standards. Nonetheless, the authors have found the benefits to greatly outweigh the issues that arise. For example, the students at Innovation Academy have increased achievement and become better leaders, thus their desire to learn through integration across the curriculums has been heightened. As such, the seventh grade teacher team takes ownership of the problems and works together to find solutions to plan, collaborate, team-teach, and implement integration.