Throughout my journey to becoming an educator, I have learned the importance of integrating. In edutopia's video, "10 Big Ideas for Better Classrooms", they highlight several schools that set an unparalleled example of how to create the best school possible. The ten big ideas that are shown include: project based learning, technology integration, integrated studies, cooperative learning, comprehensive assessment, emotional intelligence, teacher preparation, parent involvement, community partners, and maximize resources. All of these ideas come together to create a perfect recipe for an effective learning environment. The overall theme for these ten ideas is the need to include parents and the community, while also providing the children with relevant and interesting academic experiences. The video also gave great lesson plan activities that I plan on using in my future classroom.
The big ideas that most resonated with me was project based learning and integrated studies. I feel that these two ideas are what is being emphasized in my higher education classes. I love the idea of having an overarching theme that threads itself through various subjects. By using a model of integrated studies, students are completely immersed in what they are learning, and there is no preconceived idea that math is only for numbers that are stacked on top of each other, and reading is only for textbooks and other boring stuff. By incorporating the material within various subjects, the students are more likely to effectively absorb what they are learning. Furthermore, a lesson that uses project based learning significantly increases the chances of the student enjoying the acquisition of skills and improves classroom morale. It is vital that an educator not sacrifice valuable and authentic learning for his or her own comfort.
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