Integrated Studies Research Review: Evidence-Based Practices and Programs

In this section, we describe seven approaches to integrating subjects, along with recommended practices and programs that have been shown to benefit learning:

Science and Literacy

It's not enough just to know about science; scientists also have to be able to describe their observations, explain what they know, and debate with others, using sound evidence and reasoning. When science and literacy lessons are integrated, students demonstrate greater skill in all of these areas (Cervetti, Pearson, Barber, Hiebert, and Bravo, 2007).

Practices

Programs and Outcomes

Edutopia Case Study

Science and the Environment

Classrooms can integrate learning across different subjects within a school, as well as beyond school walls. Environment-based education programs emphasize investigations of natural and social systems in the local environment. Students in environment-based education (EBE) programs such as expeditionary learning participate in community and fieldwork activities. They develop awareness of local and global issues while experiencing scientific phenomena through real-world examples. Pollution, recycling, climate change, health, technology, and energy are just a few examples of scientific topics that can promote civic awareness while fostering a deeper understanding of science and its applications.

Practices

Programs and Outcomes

Edutopia Case Studies

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Specialty schools devoted to the integration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have existed in the United States since the 1930s (Means, Confrey, House, and Bhanot, 2008). They generally focus on middle school and high school curricula that provide hands-on, project-based activities, as well as internship and mentorship opportunities and career and technical training (Means et al., 2008). STEM schools aim to promote a future STEM workforce and maintain the U.S. position as a leader in innovation. According to the National Research Council (2011), U.S. advances in science and technology account for "more than half of the tremendous growth to per capita income in the 20th century."

Practices

Outcomes

Edutopia Case Studies

For research findings on ways to integrate technology in science contexts, don't miss Edutopia's research review of technology integration practices for inquiry science.

Financial Literacy

Adults appear to learn best when financial education is personalized and can be applied to real-life situations, for example, when individuals need to accomplish a personal goal such as purchasing a home or saving for retirement (Hirad and Zorn, 2001; McCormick, 2009). Since K-12 students tend to lack such financial goals, getting them familiar and interested in finance is key. Teaching financial literacy in schools from the earliest grades can help establish a foundation to build upon (McCormick, 2009).

Practices

Outcomes

Edutopia Case Studies

Arts Integration Across All Subjects

Music, drama, dance, and visual arts can be integrated with any subject. Research has shown that arts integration engages students in learning, reduces misbehavior, strengthens community, and can improve test scores, particularly among at-risk youth, (Catterall, Dumais, and Hampden-Thompson, 2012; Upitis, 2011; Smithrim and Upitis, 2005; Walker, McFadden, Tabone, and Finkelstein, 2011). Numerous arts integration programs provide professional-development training and support, including several with evidence of success such as those below.

Practices

Outcomes

Programs

Edutopia Case Studies

Internships and Service Learning

The dropout-prevention literature emphasizes the importance of making school relevant to students' lives and ensuring that school is engaging and challenging. In a 2006 survey of students who dropped out of high school, 81 percent said that if schools provided opportunities for real-world learning, including internships and service learning, their chances of graduating from high school would have been greater (Bridgeland, Dilulio, and Morison, 2006). The study also found that clarifying the links between finishing school and getting a job may convince more students to stay in school (Bridgeland et al., 2006).

Practices

Programs and Outcomes

Edutopia Case Studies

Second-Language Learning and Global Competency

Practices

Outcomes

Edutopia Case Study

Continue to the next section of the Integrated Studies Research Review, Avoiding Pitfalls.