Title: Negotiating the complexity of curriculum integration: metalanguages as levers that shape the innovation process

Authors: Letchmi Devi Ponnusamy; Liang See Tan; Suriyani Rahamat; Nur Amira Mohammad Ibrahim

Addresses: NIE 2-02-13, National Institute of Education, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore ' NIE5-B3-20, National Institute of Education, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore ' SIM International Academy, 461 Clementi Road, 599491, Singapore ' NIE2-02-11, National Institute of Education, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore

Abstract: This paper describes an instrumental case study that examined interactions amongst school teachers and curriculum leaders in the midst of developing integrated curriculum. Using the dual framework of curriculum as a socio-cultural entity and of curriculum as praxis, the study found that the school-wide curriculum vision that anchored the curriculum integration process catalysed teachers' negotiations and collaborations. This intensified attention to learners' thinking and creative production during lessons. Teachers began to question their personal connections to other disciplines which prompted them to re-consider their routine instructional practices. Analysis of teacher exchanges and interviews pointed to metalanguages, an assemblage of abstract ideas and symbols that supported and sustained the process of curriculum integration. We argue that understanding the ways that metalanguages tie together subject matter considerations, teachers' perspective of teaching the subject and their desire to meet learners' needs inspires greater meaning and commitment for all stakeholders during curriculum integration.

Keywords: curriculum integration; curriculum innovation; teacher conversations; metalanguage; curriculum vision.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2017.088098

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2017 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.126 - 146

Received: 31 Oct 2016
Accepted: 20 Jul 2017

Published online: 22 Nov 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article