The implementation of an integrated curriculum: A case study of a primary school in Hong Kong

The present study aimed to explore the implementation of an integrated curriculum in a primary school in Hong Kong. Curriculum integration in this particular school meant the multidisciplinary theme teaching through several subjects, namely English, Chinese, General Studies and Mathematics. Case study was adopted in this study. The unit of analysis was the individual teacher. Multiple methods were used, i.e. documentary evidence, interview and observation. Triangulation of data was ensured. It was found that the adoption of a newly developed integrated curriculum was related to the principal who initiated the change. However, the implementation was much depended on how the teachers perceived curriculum integration and how they translated it into classroom practice. The results of the study shed light on the literature of teacher development in the upheaval of curriculum innovation. For the curriculum innovations to be implemented in the future, it is therefore important for the decision makers to take into considerations of the teachers’ perspectives in order to ensure the outcomes of the change. Copyright © 2005 Hawaii International Conference on Education.