This paper aims to nurture future leaders with integrative thinking ability by developing a model of convergence lesson for mathematics using other subjects and give an overview of the whole process of building a convergence lesson by conducting the l...
This paper aims to nurture future leaders with integrative thinking ability by developing a model of convergence lesson for mathematics using other subjects and give an overview of the whole process of building a convergence lesson by conducting the lesson for second graders in high school
Papers from the 「2011 STEAM workshop」 held by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology have been analyzed in order to develop a model of convergence lesson of mathematics in conjunction with other subjects. More focus has been put on the development of the most appropriate and applicable convergence lesson model by using an analysis of Forgaty's inter-subject convergence lesson, various models of problem solving learning and creative learning methods of constructivism.
This lesson model has been modified and supplemented as it is applied in a real lesson. And it was conducted as a convergence lesson to the subject of "Chaos, the fractal and complexity system" for second graders in high school. Interviews with teachers and students and a student survey were performed to verify the significance and effect of the convergence lesson. The results are as follows.
First, the structured process of convergence lessons which integrates the Humanities, Social Science and Natural Science has been completed enabling the students to interpret and analyze various subject matters and social phenomenon through mathematical insight.
Second, the convergence lesson was based on a cyclic process with 7 steps: selection of a topic, selection of the subject concerned, designing the lesson, mapping out the lesson plan for each subject and developing teaching materials, having a final discussion on the whole lesson, performing the lesson and evaluating the lesson.
Third, while performing the convergence lesson, the teachers had a great opportunity to study on the connections between the subjects and reflect on the importance of the integration of learning.
Fourth, provided with various perspectives on the topic, the students had a chance to learn about the connections between the Humanities, Social Science and Natural Science in the convergence lesson. This lesson also worked as an experience of success for the students by allowing them to develop their ability to think, to analyze problems and solve them creatively.
Fifth, close cooperation between the teachers played a very important role in performing the convergence lesson. The process of communicating between the teachers, sharing their academic perspectives and knowledge and observing each other's lesson made it possible to make the convergence lesson meaningful.
It is also suggested that this convergence lesson model will be utilized to develop many other convergence lessons so as to increase awareness of the utilization of mathematics and improve students' creativity and problem solving ability in their everyday life.