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What does it look like?

The webbed model often starts with a broad theme, which can eventually lead to opportunities where diversity will flourish among the different disciplines.

Advantages

There is motivation for selecting high interest themes. This approach is familiar to seasoned teachers. It is straightforward and user-friendly. The webbed model is multi-disciplinary. Lastly, this model encourages teamwork and energizes students and teachers.

Disadvantages

Some teachers may find it difficult to select a theme. Another possible disadvantage is that there could be too much time spent on planning activities rather than integrating concepts from the curriculum. Teachers could possibly find themselves changing the curriculum to fit the theme rather than changing or modify the theme.

The Cellular Model consists of each discipline being taught by a different teacher; usually an expert in the field. The classes are sometimes taught in different classes and the students must move from one location to another.

This model can also take a less severe form where the teachers and classroom do not change with every discipline but rather one subject is put away both physically and mentally when the next is brought out.

The Advantages of the Cellular Model

ØThe purity of each discipline (subject) is untainted

ØThe instructor is an expert in their field

ØThe expert may be able to dig deeper into the subject matter

ØActs as a comfort  zone for traditionally minded educators

ØProvides  clearer and more focused view of the learning at hand

Disadvantages of the Cellular Model

ØLearners are left on their own to integrate concepts

ØOverlapping concepts, skills and attitudes are not shown to the student

ØOverlooks recent research on transfer of learning

ØStudents are easily caught in an avalanche of work because of the cumulative effect of multiple teachers not working together

Nested Model

·         In one lesson, the teacher targets multiple skills. For example:

o   Social skills, thinking skills and content specific skills

·         Rich in design and used by skilled teachers

·         Uses natural clusters to teach a variety of skills at once through one activity

·         Gets the most learning out of your lesson

Content Skills--- thinking skills---Social skill

Advantages:

·        Enrich and enhance student learning

·        Fertile lessons that lay the groundwork for learning in multiple areas

·        Does not require the added burden of finding time to work and plan with other teachers

·        Extensive integration of curricula

Disadvantages:

·        May confuse students if the nesting is not executed carefully and if the combinations are superficial or artificial

·        The conceptual priorities of the lesson may become obscure

·        Teacher may not be explicit about the various layers of learning

·        Little actual transfer or application of skills and concepts

What is the shared model?

The shared model creates a focus on elements that are similar between two disciplines

Regular Venn

Advantages:

·         Easy to use.

·         Overlap of concepts between two subjects creates deep learning and understanding.

·         Having teams of two allows for easier planning, compared to four people.

·         Working and planning together could allow for shared learning experiences such as field trips or educational video viewings.

Disadvantages:

·         A lengthy period of time to properly plan a meaningful unit is needed for this model of integration.

·         Commitment is key from both instructors to follow through the lengthy planning process.

·         Flexibility and compromise is needed from both team members in order for this model to succeed.

Four prong venn Integrated Model

Cross Disciplinary Approach:

·         Integrating a number of disciplines

·         Teachers look for patterns and approach the content through these patterns in all discipline areas

·         this can occur in all four core subjects or any number of disciplines such as arts or technology

-INDUCTIVEapproach to curriculum       integration.

Emerges through conversations and articulation across various disciplines

Pros

1.       Learners are introduced to the inter-connectedness and inter-relationships among the various disciplines

2.      Builds understanding across departments and fosters an appreciation of staff knowledge and expertise

3.       If implemented correctly it is the ideal learning environment

4.      Inherent motivational factor as students and ideas gain momentum from class to class

5.      Authentic projects and performances result from deep integration

Cons

1.       Difficult to implement fully because of its sophistication

2.      Requires highly skilled staff who are highly knowledgeable in their area of expertise

3.       Works best with scheduled planning blocks and common teaching time, which is a huge restructuring problem

4.      High level of commitment needed

Immersed Integration

The Immersed Model filters all curricular content learning through one microscopic lens.

The individual integrates all data, from every discipline, by funneling the ideas through his or her area of intense interest.

It is real-world integration that naturally occurs as the learner reaches into the topic of interest and starts to find all kinds of marvelous connections.

The integration is internally and intrinsically accomplished by the learner with little or no extrinsic or outside intervention.

Advantages

Integration takes place within the learner.

Students are self driven by a desire to understand.

Learners exhibit great discipline.

Related pathways to their interests seem unending.

Students share their knowledge and connections.

NETWORKED

There are many models of integration (like
you have learnt!) but what is so much better
about this model? It takes integration to a
whole new level. Not only is this model
interdisciplinary, it integrates real life learning
into students classes as well. While working
in a variety of subjects, they are discovering
information that they will use out and beyond
school!

Individual Accountability

Face to Face Interaction

Collaborative Skills

Processing

Positive Interdependence