Topic Based Education... A More Innovative Way of Teaching

‘Topic based education’ is a phenomenon that I have rarely considered or even heard of. In Ontario’s education system, we teach classes by subjects. Think back to high school… classes were organized into periods that specifically focused on one area of expertise. A timetable would often have something like this: biology, mathematics, English, music. Students would attend each of these classes at an allotted time slot, ending one subject and transitioning to focus on the next one. There is no interconnectedness among these subjects. In my opinion, this is such a segregated and limited method of teaching for 21^st century learners. Instead, topic based education would allow for students to consider topics from a variety of lenses.

http://azuki-chan.deviantart.com/art/TMNT-High-School-TimeTable-156062162

For instance, a topic such as environmental literacy and recycling could be applied to multiple subject areas. Therefore, instead of simply discussing this issue in science class, learning opportunities could be expanded by incorporating other subjects such as language, geography or mathematics too. This will enrich students learning, and also assist educators in the process of teaching.

Taking a moment to contemplate the role that the teacher plays in this innovative method of learning, it is vital that they are fully supporting of teaching by topic. Teachers will be given the opportunity to collaborate with fellow employees, drawing from various subject backgrounds. As a future educator, I strongly believe that I would benefit from this. Not only would I be taking on a new style of teaching, but expanding my own knowledge in addition to my student’s knowledge simultaneously.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-collaboration-strategies-ben-johnson

Finland has been an international leader in the development of teaching by topic. The ultimate goal is to create a country that is fully behind topic based teaching by 2020. If countries such as Finland can make these goals, Canada has the potential to do this in the future as well. In my future classroom, I hope to utilize features of topic based education. I strive to connect with fellow employees who may have a stronger grasp on some subjects than me. Also, my students could gain familiarity with topics and concepts from different subject standpoints.

Overall, I support the advancement to stray from traditional teaching in this manner. However, it is important to note that a few negative aspects need to be considered. First off, change is difficult. School boards need to consider the stakeholders that are involved in a drastic change like this. The curriculum would most likely need to be altered. Additionally, educators may have a difficult time grasping the concept of topic based education and getting on board with it. Sometimes, it is easier to say that you want change, rather than to actually apply the abstract concept.

However, in this case I do believe that children and educators could benefit from this style of learning and it should potentially be considered for the schools in Ontario that I as a future teacher will be working at. In order to incorporate as many 21^st century literacy skills as possible into the curriculum, teaching by topic would open many new doors.