INTEGRATIVE METHODS IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCE DISCIPLINE IN BASIC

EDUCATION
Thematic Teaching in Basic Education
I. Overview
Thematic instruction is the organization of a curriculum around macro “themes.”
Thematic instruction integrates basic disciplines like reading, math, and science with
the exploration of a broad subject, such as communities, rain forests, river basins, the
use of energy, and so on.
Thematic instruction is based on the idea that people acquire knowledge best when
learning in the context of a coherent “whole,” and when they can connect what they’re
learning to the real world. Thematic instruction seeks to put the teaching of cognitive
skills such as reading, mathematics, science, and writing in the context of a real-world
subject that is both specific enough to be practical, and broad enough to allow creative
exploration.
Thematic instruction usually occurs within an entire grade level of students.
Teachers of all the different subjects taught in that particular grade work together as a
team to design curriculum, instruction methods, and assessment around a
preselected theme. Typical steps include:

 Choosing a theme: Themes about the particular topic should be of interest to

students and relevant to the curriculum. In some approaches, students choose
the thematic topic. Themes should also be topics of interest to the teacher(s)
because successful thematic instructions often require additional research and
preparation. Interdisciplinary themes related to multiple academic disciplines
such as science, social studies, math, language/writing, and other courses or
subjects can be reinforced in lessons throughout the school day.
o Themes relevant to students' interests encourage active participation. For
example, students may express interest in current popular music. This
interest can be developed into thematic instructional units and lessons
that span across time and cultures, how cultures interact and impact
one another, music as a social or political commentary in social studies
or history classes.
o Themes allowing past to present connections and highlight persistent
issued faced by society such as war, poverty, pollution, disease, or
natural disasters are especially effective.
 Doing the research: Effective interdisciplinary thematic instruction requires
extensive knowledge and research by the teacher. Without a broad knowledge
base on which to design relevant activities and lessons, thematic lessons can
become randomly selected activities loosely related to a topic that fail to
demand higher level thinking from students.
 Design an essential question(s) relevant to the theme. Essential questions
are open-ended, intellectually engaging questions that demand higher-order
thinking. Essential questions focus a thematic inquiry, helping the teacher
chose the most important facts and concepts relative to the theme and focus
planning efforts. Essential questions require students to learn the key facts and
 concepts related to the theme as well as analyze and evaluate the importance
and relevance of that information. Good essential questions cannot be answered
with a simple yes/no or true/false; students must discuss, defend, and debate
issues related to the theme. Designing thematic instruction around essential
questions requires that students learn both content and develop critical
analysis skills.
 Designing instructional units and activities that guide students in
answering the essential question. Teachers must choose teaching and
learning strategies, activities, classroom materials, and experiences related to
the wider theme and guide students in answering the essential question.
Strategies can be individual or cooperative; stress various skills such as
reading, writing, or presenting

Thematic instruction can be a powerful tool for reintegrating the curriculum and
eliminating the isolated, reductionist nature of teaching around disciplines rather than
experience. It requires a lot of hard, initial design work, plus a substantial
restructuring of teacher relationships and class schedules.
In this module you will have to learn the significance in using Thematic Teaching
in basic education.
II. Learning Outcomes
 The use of Thematic teaching in basic education
 How important learning:
 Planning Instruction
 Integrated Multidisciplinary Thematic Unit
 Integrated Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit
 Interdisciplinary Teaching Teams
The Use of Thematic teaching in Basic Education
1. Increased Engagement: When students see the relevance of what they are
learning and can apply it to real-life situations, they are more likely to be engaged
in the learning process.
2. Deeper Understanding: Thematic teaching promotes a deeper understanding of
concepts as students explore them in various contexts. This helps in transferring
knowledge to long-term memory.
3. Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Through project-based activities and
cross-curricular connections, students develop critical thinking and problem-
solving skills as they analyze and synthesize information.
4. Holistic Learning: Thematic teaching supports a more holistic approach to
education by acknowledging the interconnectedness of knowledge and breaking
down artificial subject barriers.
5. Increased Motivation: Students are often more motivated to learn when they can
see the purpose and relevance of their studies. Thematic teaching helps to connect
academic content with the real world.
6. Promotion of Creativity: Thematic teaching allows for creative expression as
students work on projects and activities related to the theme. This can include art,
drama, and other forms of expression.
In summary, thematic teaching in basic education offers a holistic and engaging
approach to learning, fostering connections between subjects and promoting skills
that are valuable for students' future success.

Planning Instruction
A teacher must be able to plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of
subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. Well-planned
instruction that is aligned to the content standards and needs of the students is a
teacher's most powerful tool to engage students, manage the classroom, and improve
student learning. Instructional planning always starts with the goals: What content
must be learned? What skills must be developed? What themes and concepts must
students understand? Using these as a baseline, the best teachers will next identify
areas of strength and weakness of incoming students, determine the interests of the
class, and modify or develop new learning experiences that fit the needs of the group.
In class each day, a well-prepared teacher has a tentative schedule and a set of
alternative ideas that provide an opportunity to adapt in real time as needed.
Good planning is the first step to an effective classroom, and one of the six main
teacher tasks that educators must master. A well-planned class reduces stress on the
teacher and helps minimize disruptions. When teachers know what they need to
accomplish and how they are going to do it, they have a better opportunity to achieve
success with the added benefit of less stress. Additionally, when students are engaged
during the entire class period, they have less opportunity to cause disruptions. The
teacher's demeanor, lesson plan quality, and method of delivery all play into an
effective day in class.
Steps for Planning Instruction
1. Identify Learning Objectives: Clearly define the educational objectives for the
thematic unit. What specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes do you want students
to acquire by the end of the unit.
2. Select a Theme: Choose a theme that is relevant, interesting, and aligns with the
curriculum. The theme should be broad enough to allow for integration across
multiple subjects.
3. Determine Cross-Curricular Connections: Identify the subjects that will be
integrated into the thematic unit. Determine how each subject contributes to the
overall understanding of the theme.
4. Develop Essential Questions: Frame essential questions that guide students'
exploration of the theme. These questions should be open-ended, promoting critical
thinking and inquiry.
5. Design Engaging Activities: Plan a variety of activities that cater to different
learning styles. Include hands-on projects, discussions, research assignments, and
other activities that align with the theme.
6. Create a Timeline: Outline a timeline for the thematic unit. Define the duration of
the unit and allocate time for each phase, including introductory activities, in-
depth exploration, and culminating projects.
7. Gather Resources: Collect resources such as books, articles, videos, and other
materials that support the theme. Ensure that these resources are age-appropriate
and aligned with learning objectives.
8. Plan Assessment Strategies: Determine how student understanding will be
assessed. Consider a mix of formative and summative assessments, including
project evaluations, quizzes, and reflections.
9. Promote Student Choice: Allow for student input and choice within the thematic
unit. Provide options for projects or activities that cater to diverse interests and
abilities.
10. Integrate Technology: Identify ways to incorporate technology into the thematic
teaching. This could involve online research, multimedia presentations, or virtual
field trips that enhance the learning experience.
11. Collaborate with Colleagues: Work with other teachers to ensure a seamless
integration of subjects. Collaborate on planning and share ideas to enhance the
thematic teaching experience.
12. Communicate with Parents: Keep parents informed about the thematic unit.
Share the learning objectives, activities, and ways they can support their child's
learning at home.
13. Reflect and Revise: After the thematic unit is complete, reflect on what worked
well and what could be improved. Use feedback from students and colleagues to
revise and enhance future thematic teaching plans.
Thematic Units
Thematic means that the same topic is used to develop the teaching plan (content and
instruction) for each of the different subjects in which students are enrolled. Presented
in this unit are two models in presenting thematic units:
a. the integrated multidisciplinary thematic unit
b. the integrated interdisciplinary thematic unit

Both approaches use the following steps in planning instruction (Kellough).

1. Select a suitable topic or theme.
2. Select the goals of the unit.
3. Select suitable specific learning objectives.
4. Detail the instructional procedures.
5. Plan for pre-assessment and assessment of student learning.
6. Provide for the materials of instruction.
Integrated Multidisciplinary Thematic Unit
This modification of multidisciplinary teaching unit which addresses a single
discipline. This attempts to provide two or more disciplines in one single approach.
Integrated interdisciplinary Thematic unit
This unit gives a sense of cohesiveness and structure to student learning and avoids
to piecemeal approach that might otherwise unfold Friegberg (2000) points that
interdisciplinary units can help achieve the following objectives:
 Emphasize that the process of learning is sometimes best pursued as an
interconnected whole rather than as a series of specific subject.
 Encourage students to work cooperatively in partnership and in small groups that
focus on the social value of learning.
 Teach students to be independent problem solvers and thinkers. Assist students to
develop their own individual interests and learning styles.
Interdisciplinary Teaching Teams
Interdisciplinary teaching teams play a crucial role in thematic teaching in basic
education. Thematic teaching is an instructional approach that integrates content
from multiple disciplines around a central theme or topic. This approach encourages
students to see the connections between different subjects and helps them develop a
more holistic understanding of the world. Interdisciplinary teaching teams typically
consist of educators from different subject areas who collaborate to plan and
implement thematic units.
Here are some key aspects of interdisciplinary teaching teams in thematic teaching in
basic education:
1. Collaborative Planning: Interdisciplinary teams collaborate to plan thematic units
that integrate concepts from various subjects. This planning involves identifying a
central theme, defining learning objectives, and determining how content from
different disciplines can be woven together.
2. Integrated Curriculum: The team works to integrate curriculum content
seamlessly, ensuring that each subject contributes to the overall understanding of
the theme. This integration helps students see the relevance and
interconnectedness of different subjects.
3. Shared Resources: Interdisciplinary teams share resources, teaching materials,
and expertise. This collaborative approach allows educators to leverage each
other's strengths and create a more comprehensive and engaging learning
experience for students.
4. Cross-Curricular Assessments: Assessments are designed to evaluate students'
understanding of the theme across multiple subjects. This may include projects,
presentations, or assessments that require students to apply knowledge from
various disciplines.
5. Professional Development: Teachers on interdisciplinary teams engage in
professional development activities to enhance their understanding of other
 subjects and effective interdisciplinary teaching strategies. This continuous
learning ensures that educators are well-equipped to facilitate thematic teaching.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability: Interdisciplinary teams need to be flexible and
adaptable to meet the evolving needs of students and to incorporate new
developments in their respective fields. This adaptability ensures that thematic
teaching remains current and relevant.
7. Student-Centered Learning: Thematic teaching emphasizes student-centered
learning, where students actively explore and apply knowledge in meaningful
contexts. Interdisciplinary teams work together to create learning experiences that
foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
8. Communication and Reflection: Regular communication among team members
is essential for successful interdisciplinary teaching. Teams reflect on their
experiences, share feedback, and make adjustments to improve the effectiveness of
future thematic units.
9. Parent and Community Involvement: Interdisciplinary teams may involve
parents and the community in thematic projects and activities, creating a more
comprehensive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.
In summary, interdisciplinary teaching teams in thematic teaching create a rich and
interconnected learning experience for students. Through collaboration, integrated
curriculum design, and a focus on student-centered learning, these teams contribute
to a more holistic and meaningful educational experience in basic education.

subjects taught in that particular grade work together as a team to design curriculum, instruction methods,
and
assessment around a preselected theme. Typical steps inclu