The Broad Fields Curriculum Design.

The broad fields design combines two or more related subjects into
a single broad field of study, for example, Language Arts combines the separate but related subjects of
Reading, Spelling, Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Composition. The Broad Fields, commonly found in
elementary and middle grades, is an attempt to overcome the fragmentation and compartmentalization
characteristic of the subject-centered design. The intent is to achieve a greater integration of learning
experiences.

Use of the broad fields design cuts down on the amount of factual detail often found in subject-centered
designs but still allows little integration between the broad fields themselves. The design stresses
content coverage and acquisition of information. The school library will be used more extensively than
in the subject-centered design and can help reinforce the interrelationships among the subject areas
within a broad field of study.

A diagram of this design follows:



Core Curriculum Design. This design focuses on the set of learning experiences that
are felt to be essential for all students. Its underlying purpose is to create a universal
sense of inquiry, discourse, and understanding among learners of different
backgrounds and aspirations. Broad areas of concern are examined and set of learning
experiences intended to promote a common body of knowledge are carefully
prepared. We use such an approach in SILS as do most professional schools
In K-12 schools, a general education is the goal of the core curriculum. Integration
and unfification of learning is stressed and accomplished by the systematic correlation
of subject matter around themes drawn from the contemporary problems of living.
Problem solving through reflective thinking is encouraged. Examples of possible
themes include: civic responsibility, an understanding of economic systems and how
people relate to one another within these systems, family relationships, informed
consumerism, development of aesthetic appreciations, proficiency in spoken and
written language. The school library media center can be an essential component in
providing the wide variety of learning experiences expected in the core curriculum
design.
Subject matter lines are cut across and attention given to the needs of the learner.
Learner respect for one another is promoted. Learners have the opportunity to test
their own values and ideas. Cooperative teacher-student planning is emphasized and
learners are grouped homogeneously. A wide range of ability levels can be
accommodated because the problems being investigated are considered to be
universally significant.
The diagram below shows the philosophical orientation and doesn't show the specific
subject matter or themes within the core. The different groups of learners are shown
as they enter the core. Upon completion of the core, learners of diverse background
are able to interact with one another based on a set of shared understandings and a
sense of shared responsibility.