Importance of Subject Integration

Hickory Creek Middle School changes focus to student-centered instead of subject-centered

"Hickory Creek Middle School student Laurel Dietterle took notes on important battles of the Revolutionary War in social studies class.

In language arts, the seventh-grader read the fictional account of Johnny Tremain, a horseman for a patriotic newspaper who witnessed pivotal events of the American Revolution.

Come technology period, Laurel paired up with friend Kate Walsh to create a PowerPoint slide on events in the colonial period.

'Sometimes it gets old, but it is also really helpful,' said Laurel of the subject overlap.

The overlap is an essential component of the middle school philosophy at Hickory Creek, and it is one of the techniques educators there will model for other schools in coming years."

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As far as schools go, Hickory Creek appears to have a great educational philosophy.

Subject integration gives each topic more meaning and relevance as opposed to a hodgepodge of disjointed information. My favorite classes were always team taught, integrating the knowledge of both teachers/professors to give the subject more depth and real world applicability.

This integration can be used in numerous educational settings whether it's homeschooling or the traditional classroom environment.

Most importantly, integration offers students time for discussion and analysis. The keys for learning are held in this time for critical thinking and exploration.

~Danielle