Thematic Learning

Thematic learning breaks away from a simple presentation of material. Thematic learning maintains interest in students and promotes engagement. The idea behind thematic learning is to present material through a theme.

In some instances, students already know the material, so incorporating new material becomes easier. For instances, many students are familiar with soccer. Teachers can incorporate soccer procedures on teamwork. They could incorporate soccer into an extension that instructs students on how to function in a cooperative group. Depending upon the grade level, different forms of mathematics might be explained through soccer, such as measurement or propulsion. Cross-curricular activities with thematic learning can include other teachers.

Working with other teachers can promote learning when they incorporate similar themes. For instance, social studies teachers could work with history teachers. Creating a play that incorporates historical events, such as immigration and Ellis Island, allow students to stay focused on an area that they understand while learning new content. Homework is another strategy.

Homework, if used correctly, can help to reinforce recently introduced material, increase speed, increase an understanding of concepts, and prepare students for new material (Focus on Effectiveness, 2005). Teachers can use homework in almost every content area.

For instance, when students need to memorize basic math facts, independent study provides a wonderful opportunity to do so. Homework also provides an opportunity to increase a student’s understanding of new material. If the homework relates to the new material, students have an opportunity to deeply interact with it. For instance, given a lesson on important events of the Civil War, students have an opportunity to independently explore the events, write questions, and interact with the material in a manner that best satisfies their learning style. There are important prerequisites...