Abstract
The purpose of this study was to uncover the factors that may influence K-3 inservice
teachers’ implementation of integrated curriculum (IC). To provide a
consistent research base, the broad definition of IC and Jacob’s model were
adopted to clarify the controversial concept of IC. Survey data were collected
from forty-two teachers from ten school districts in Ohio. Results showed that most
teachers implemented IC on a regular basis; however, they preferred to use less
integrated forms of the curriculum. In addition, the study revealed that though
teachers overwhelmingly believed in the effectiveness of IC and their own
knowledge and skills on IC, their agreement levels about other factors that might
affect IC implementation varied. Teachers’ planning time and compatible working
hours with their colleagues were identified as the significant predictors affecting
teachers’ frequency of using IC. Community support, colleague support and
teachers’ knowledge and skills of implementing IC were found to moderately
influence the form of IC most frequently adopted by those K-3 teachers.
Educational implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Citation
ID:
155753
Ref Key:
fu2017internationalteachers