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Thematic Vs Topical Instruction
Thematic Vs Topical Instruction
Topical Instruction
Although the terms "thematic" and "topical" instruction are often used interchangeably,
they are distinctly different approaches to presenting curriculum.
Thematic instruction, however, revolves around broad concepts found in the Core
Curriculum Content Standards. Change, growth, power, or connections would be examples
of such themes. Thematic instruction connects basic concepts across content areas through
essential questions that are at the heart of each discipline.
By learning thematically through the broad concepts that connect each discipline, students
can form a mental framework that will serve as a strong foundation for both their present
and future studies.
The following table contains examples of thematic instruction using "power" as the theme.
Think of what can happen if themes such as change, form and function, or relationships, are
substituted for topics such as seasons, shapes, and families. The educational possibilities
would be endless.
With thematic instruction - each subject reinforcing the others, each teacher reinforcing the
others - students can begin to make cross-curricular connections that will add unparalleled
depth and breadth to their learning. This table shows only the tip of the iceberg using
"respect" as a theme.