5 concept of disciplines and their relation to various school subjects

This PPT explains Concept of Disciplines and their relation to various school subjects

1. Concept of Disciplines and their Relation to Various School Subjects Dr. Jaganmohana Rao Gurugubelli Faculty of Education MITE, Kohima

2. The term ‘ discipline’ originates from the Latin word ‘ discipulus ’ which means pupil , and ‘ disciplina ’ – which means teaching Discipline is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "a branch of learning or scholarly instruction." An academic discipline refers to a form of specific, rigorous scientific training that an individual is exposed to. Subjects are generally classified under these discipline heads Humanities (also called Arts and Humanities) Social Sciences Natural Sciences Mathematics Business

3. Characteristics of academic disciplines: Body of specialised knowledge Has theories and concepts Specific terminology Specific object of research Definite methodology of research Each discipline has certain domain of knowledge Institutional manifestation in form of subjects taught, professional organizations

4. Forms of Disciplines: Disciplines can be classified into the following broad categories : Basic Discipline (pure) : Some disciplines have their own networks of concepts which are distinctive and unique in nature. Such disciplines are categorized as ‘Basic Disciplines’. Thus have their own logical structure of knowledge. For example, Mathematics is a basic discipline which has distinct and abstract concepts and the criterion of testing truth in Mathematics is deductibility within an axiom system.

5. The discipline of ‘Science’ consists of its own concepts, facts, principles , generalizations , laws and theories which are empirical in nature. Observation is employed as the criterion for verification of knowledge. Science is an organized body of knowledge that deals with nature and nature’s law. This body of knowledge has been divided into various science disciplines with more specialised characteristics like ‘Physics’, ‘Chemistry’, and ‘Biology’. Social Sciences, include awareness and understanding of our own and others minds , and include concepts that are essential for interpersonal relationships. The Social Sciences are divided into ‘Sociology’, ‘History’, ‘Anthropology’, ‘ Political Science ’, ‘Psychology’ and so on.

6. Applied Disciplines or Fields: The applied disciplines are those wherein the knowledge of basic disciplines are used . For example, scientific knowledge is used in technological applications. The areas of Bio-engineering, Biotechnology , Applied Physics, Environmental Biology are some of the examples of applied disciplines . As knowledge advances, new areas of knowledge and disciplines emerge new specializations are created having their roots in basic disciplines and merge with other relevant areas.

7. Basic/Pure disciplines Concentrate on fundamental research systematic observation of phenomena solely for the purpose of discovering unknown facts which may develop into theories Result in new knowledge Eg: Pure Mathematics, pure chemistry, Pure Physics Applied Disciplines relate existing knowledge to real world situations Application of theory to real life Aim at problem solving Eg : Education, applied psychology, Engineering (application of Science and Mathematics)

8. Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Areas: The recent approaches to designing the curriculum in schools are inter, multi or trans-disciplinary. Interdisciplinary Learning is a process of answering a question, solving a problem, or addressing a topic that is too broad or complex to be dealt with adequately by a single discipline, and draws on the disciplines with the goal of integrating their insights to construct a more comprehensive understanding. Characteristics of interdisciplinary learning: Draws from more than one discipline e.g. War Focus is beyond the realm of one discipline e.g. Health Pragmatic approach (problem solving attitude)