Advantages and Disadvantages of the Thematic Approach of Teaching English

Back to: Pedagogy of English – Unit 3

The thematic approach to teaching integrates all subject areas under one theme. It blends different subject lines and helps children associate with real-world ideas and basic academic skills. Thematic units are highly popular in preschool classes because preschool children learn through interactive and integrated activities. These themed units include reading, math, science, and social studies, as well as the arts to develop a well-balanced curriculum. According to an educationist, a thematic approach is a

“teaching approach that organizes subject matter around unifying themes.”

Advantages Of Thematic Integrated Approach to Learning and Teaching English

Relevant Topics

The approach focuses on topics relevant to learners which encourages learners to involve actively.

Real-world Experiences

The approach also focuses on real-world experiences and their existing knowledge of the topic, making the lesson more relatable.

Different Learning Styles

This approach also enables teachers to adapt to the different learning styles of the learners.

Higher Engagement

Renowned psychologists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner suggest that integrated subject matter increases the engagement of the whole brain.

Active

It is an active approach that encourages the active participation of the learners and keeps them engaged.

Disadvantages Of Thematic Integrated Approach to Learning and Teaching English

Identity Loss

Due to integration, subjects lose their specific identity and meaning.

Loss of Interest

Few learners may lose interest in the theme and maybe demotivated to participate.

Interruption in Connection

If a learner misses a day’s lesson, they can miss out on a lot.

Time-Consuming

Researching and performing activities may take up a lot of time.

Hectic For Teacher

Choosing themed and developing activities may be hectic for the teacher.

According to Lam (2007),

“Thematic approach is teaching in which a single context or a group of closely related contexts forms the basis of a unit of learning. A theme can be conceived as a context in which a variety of learning experiences are situated over an extended period of time.”