The Integration of Science, Mathematics and Technology in a Disciplinebased Culture

1
The Integration of Science, Mathematics and
Technology in a Discipline-based Culture
Valerie Betts
2
Western Australia

• Culture
• Discipline-based
• Focus
• 7-9th grades

3
Case for Integration

• Puzzle
• Curriculum
• Real-life
• Parallel Disciplines

4
Method

• Schools
• 9 high schools
• (grades 8-12)
• 4 elementary schools
• (grades K-7)
• 3 district high schools
• (grades K-10)

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Method

• Teacher Interviews - 36
• 1-7 per school
• Questions
• Describe the kind of integration that occurs at
  your school.
• What factors enabled the integration process to
  occur?
• What factors inhibited integration?
• What do you see as the advantages of integration?
• What do you see as the disadvantages of
  integration?

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Forms of Integration

• Thematic Approach
• Cross-Curricular Approaches
• Technology-Based Projects

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Forms of Integration

• Competitions
• School Specialist Approach
• Topic Integration

8
Forms of Integration

• Integrated Assignments
• Synchronized Content and Processes
• Local Community Projects

9
Teaching Approaches

• Used same framework
• Student-centered teaching

10
Natural/Informal Integration

• Elementary level teachers
• Integration happens naturally
• Technology
• More opportunities

11
Issues Arising from Integrated Practice
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Getting Started

• Prior planning
• Administrative support
• Care

13
Implications for Teachers

• Commitment passion necessary
• Willingness to take risks
• Working as a team
• Know what to expect
• Intimate knowledge of student outcomes

14
Implications for Schedule Structure

• Area most often mention by teachers
• Extra meetings
• Flexible time tables
• Sharing

15
Implications for Students

• Benefits
• Problem solving skills
• Better understanding of math and science
  concepts using technology
• Technology products better quality by using math
  and science to design

16
Implications for Departmental Structure

• Obstacle
• TRADITION

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Discussion
18
(No Transcript)
19
Reference

• Venville,G., Wallace,J., Rennie,L.J., Malone,
  J. (1998). The integration of science,
  mathematics, and technology in a discipline-based
  culture. School Science and Mathematics, 98(6),
  294-302