9780130986054

Offers a step-by-step approach to using ITUs to help pupils acquire the knowledge and develop the problem-solving skills required for today's changing--and challenging--times. Addresses the content, technology, diversity, and classroom management of ITUs. Material on curriculum standards, scoring guides, and the relationship between the interdisciplinary thematic unit approach and professional education tests. Extensive coverage of the role of pupil input into ITUs. Also includes current web addresses of professional organizations and sites that address curriculum standards. For future educators.

Introduction to An Interdiscipinary Thematic Unit
Chapter Introduction
Knowledge and Meaningful
Learning Styles of Learning and Implications for Interdisciplinary Thematic
Instruction Integrated
Curriculum and Related Terms
Curriculum Integration
Summary of Purposes Integrated
Curriculum: A Spectrum of Design Role of Theoretical Origins of Instructional
Styles and their Relation to Constructivism and Integrated
Curriculum Role of the Teacher in an Integrated
Curriculum Role of the Students and Input in an Integrated
Curriculum Role of the School for Optimal
Curriculum Integration
Role of Curriculum Standards
Role of Modern Technology and Community
Resources in an Integrated
Curriculum Beginning an Interdisciplinary
Thematic Unit Facts on Praxis and Other Teacher Tests Summary
If a Colleague, Community Member, or Parent
Asks You Abouthellip
Exercises
Chapter Notes
For Further Reading
Initiating an Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit
Chapter Introduction
Selecting a Theme for an Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit Reviewing
Curriculum Standards Standards and High-Stakes Testing
When All Students Are Expected to Do Well on a Mandated Assessment
Then All Should Be Given Equal Opportunity to
Prepare for it Selecting a Theme
A Beginning Process
Giving the ITU a Name Developing a Scope and Sequence for Content and Instruction
Using the Community as a Rich Resource
Sharing Materials Before and During Unit
Implementation Facts on Praxis and Other Teacher Tests Summary
If a Colleague, Community Member, or Parent
Asks You Abouthellip
Exercises Chapter Notes
For Further Reading
Developing Objectives
Chapter Introduction
Clarifying Aims, Goals, and Objectives
Relating Instructional Objectives to Aligned Curriculum and Authentic
Assessment Clarifying Goal
Indicators and Standards-Based Education
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In the future, perhaps no single task will be more important than that of the challenge of improving our approaches as educators to facilitate student learning. Focusing on one element of this task, we are becoming increasingly aware of the role of an interdisciplinary thematic unit for quality learning. In keeping with this awareness, the purpose of this guide is to provide a practical approach for (1) university and college students who are preparing to become competent school teachers and (2) credentialed teachers who are interested in developing interdisciplinary thematic units. The focus is on one concise approach; therefore, this guide should serve as a supplement to what you learn (or have learned) in a general methods course. In addition, this guide is suitable for administrators as well as those who work with students in school libraries, youth groups, or home schooling situations. For any interested educator, the content and interactive exercises are intended to provide guidance for developing interdisciplinary thematic units. OUR BELIEFS We believe the interdisciplinary thematic unit (ITU) is an instructional strategy that will help define a new expression of our professionalism. Certainly, developing and presenting an ITU in the classroom can be challenging to the teacher--this approach often tests one's dedication and ingenuity. The ITU as an expression of our professionalism reflects the view that such a unit can provide the most meaningful way to prepare students for the everyday requirements of the 21st century. This includes living life on a worldwide information superhighway and moving in a fast cyber-lane. In these initial years of the 21st century, we believe that Life on the information superhighway will encompass students' interpretation of their own learning through both assigned studies and self-selected independent inquiries. Integrated instructional experiences will equalize educational opportunities for all students. Emphasis will be increased on students determining meaning from the interrelationships found in the content areas of various fields of study Education will consist mainly of inquiry-oriented processes that require students to ask questions and to develop their thinking skills through various approaches to research and the use of diverse resources. Action-oriented students will focus on pertinent questions and issues (concepts, generalizations, principles, theories) with not only local, regional, and state significance but also global importance. We are confident that the interdisciplinary thematic approach can be useful in classrooms, although only if questioning is given the same priority that Albert Einstein gave it when he reflected in writing on has own learning (see Chapter 4). If we are to improve our educational approaches significantly in the years ahead, then all of us must join in making that effort. Strong action will be necessary at all educational levels. Presenting interdisciplinary thematic units in the classroom can be part of that action. Further, private citizens and volunteer groups must join in partnerships to support the effort, including businesses and industries; labor and farm organizations; and scientific, health, and educational institutions. Quantitatively, every part of our society has a responsibility. Qualitatively, it is important that the improvement of our educational approaches be seen as a national and international concern. HOW THIS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED This step-by-step guide, with many examples, strives to be user-friendly and educationally helpful. It is one of the few books available to successfully integrate interdisciplinary content, technology, diversity, and classroom management. It is intended for a teacher interested in offering, assessing, and evaluating an integrated curriculum through the inclusion of interdisciplinary thematic uni

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Guide for Developing Interdisciplinary Thematic Units, A

Guide for Developing Interdisciplinary Thematic Units, A

0130986054

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