The effect of integration and fragmentation on students' achievement at the elementary level. (c2006)

Abstract

During the past decade, educators as well as researchers have been gi ving more focus and attention to the use of new techniques in teaching that are responsive for developing wellrounded individuals and productive citizens. The aim of this paper is to show the effect of integration on student's achievement, atti tude, working habit etc. Moreover, this paper focuses on learning processes, the fragmented curri culum and its benefits as well as drawbacks. This study provides a detailed literature review for the usage of the integrated curriculum with its different types, characteri stics, principal's role, traditional ways of teaching and assessment. It tends to encourage the usage of integration at the elementary level. Three methods were used to compare the difference in teaching between integration and fragmentation. Interviews were conducted with three professional teachers from different schools, Questionnaires were di stributed to 20 teachers in two schools, and fin ally a book written by Suzan Drake about integration and the implementation of this technique was analyzed thoroughly. Thl'oughout the study, the researcher found that though the integrated approach has positive effect on the performance level, at the same time it is a costly and a complex process. This study was designed to improve the learning of the students and their level of understanding. Such teaching method makes learning fun and more active.