The Effects of an Integrated Curriculum on Student Achievement in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an integrated mathematics and science curriculum with life-skills applications on academic achievement in a Saudi Arabian elementary school. An integrated unit was developed covering the grade 5 'sound and light' science unit and the 'perimeter, area, and size' mathematics unit, using practical applications activities connected to the students' everyday lives. The study involved treatment (n = 36) and comparison (n = 41) groups of grade 5 students (females) enrolled in a private school in Dhahran City. The comparison group was instructed using a conventional approach involving separate science and mathematics units, while the treatment group was instructed using the integrated unit. Two achievement tests for the target science and mathematics units were developed and used in the pretest-posttest design to verify the equivalence of the treatment and comparison groups before conducting the study, and to compare the achievement results after implementing the conventional and treatment units. The study found statistically significant differences favouring the treatment group on the achievement posttest (effect sizes were 0.44 for science and 0.49 for mathematics). These large effect sizes indicated the positive impact of using the proposed strategy of curriculum integration to evaluate the teaching program to see if the goal of improved achievement was actually realised.

Educational Computer Software in the Function of Integrating and Individualization in Teaching of Mathematics and Knowledge of Nature

“…These results of the paper in terms of integrative approach with primary school children are in accordance with the results of the research of the authors who have dealt with similar issues (Alghamdi, 2017;Becker & Park, 2011;Deneme & Ada, 2012;Duran, Ballone-Duran & Worch, 2009;Kurt & Pehlivan, 2013;Milinković, 2012;Tudor, 2014;Ćurčić, Milinković & Radivojević, 2017).…”

“…Integrating various disciplines can help children comprehend a topic which may lead to effective learning" (Deneme & Ada, 2012: 886). However, Alghamdi (2017) pointed out that we should take care that such an approach to integration must be in line with the standards and outcomes that are specific for each subject area.…”

“…Alghamdi (2017) stated the positive examples from Saudi Arabia on the necessity and effectiveness of the integration of various scientific disciplines in order to improve the academic achievement of students. Ćurčić, Milinković and Radivojević (2017) have investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary approach in primary school children in the case of integration with the teaching of mathematics and knowledge of nature and the student's responses to this model of learning.…”

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Teaching Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology

“…The integration of the teaching of mathematics in other disciplines in the context of training engineers in Bossier City, USA, is discussed by Coriell and Corbett (2013). The integration of mathematics into teaching other science disciplines is described by Alghamdi (2017) from the University of Damman, Saudi Arabia. Improvements in the level of mathematical education of future engineers are dealt with by Konysheva and Ibragimova (2017) from Vyatka State University, Russia.…”

Learning Make A Match Using Prezi in Elementary School in Industry 4.0

“…This make-a-match model can be used in thematic learning in the 2013 curriculum. The 2013 curriculum is also called an integrated curriculum because it combines various elements of subjects [17].…”