Thematic Axes

The thematic axes are a guide that guides and directs the theoretical-practical development of a previously studied topic, to maintain an intelligent alignment.

If you were reading a book without a cover, or even without an index, it is a bit complicated for the reader to know what it is about and the order in which the chapters or topics are found. In the same way it happens when a didactic type material is planned, which requires a clear order and that its topics are explicitly presented, so that it can be understood by all those to whom it is addressed.

That is why, in recent times, the curricula have been designed in such a way that they not only give order to the programming that is going to be taught, but also allow the teacher to generate a planning with freedom, so that they do not be a straitjacket, and on the contrary can be adapted to the particular circumstances of each group of students.

From there, the thematic axes emerge, which are the contents that are going to be developed in the class sessions, giving direction to the planning. It should be noted that these thematic axes will serve as a reference, since the teacher will have the possibility of feeding it as he wishes, considering the particular characteristics of the group, the location, as well as the interests of his students.

It should be noted that the thematic axes have been used in the curricular models of various countries, in accordance with the premises of integrality, transversality and meaningful learning that today prevail in the educational systems of a large part of the world.

Uses of the thematic axes

It becomes a unit of content from which the teacher will start to plan his class sessions. Of course, the thematic axis will be like a kind of compass that will direct the teaching-learning process, where it will be possible to discern, depending on the context and the characteristics of the students, how and what will be the approach that will be made to that content.

For example, if a primary school teacher is suggested that they should work with the thematic axis hygiene and bodily health, their strategies, methods, techniques and resources will not be the same if they are done by a rural or urban institution.

This lies in the fact that, in the rural institution, there may be various diseases such as gastroenteritis, scabies and others associated with poor hygiene, where even parents will have to be educated, and encourage students to have habits such as combing and brushing. . Meanwhile, in the urban institution, you can even rely on health specialists or schedule forums, walks and exhibitions.

In addition to this, when they are inserted in the curriculum, it guarantees that students receive the same content, since in the long run they respond to the intentions of this document, which is what is commonly called the hidden curriculum.

Practical functions

Even though it gives a dynamic character to the planning, the thematic axis impregnates it with order and meaning. In this way, the teacher will be able to have the freedom to develop his class, without the rigidity that traditional education imposed. It should be noted that it is in accordance with the constructivist paradigm , so the fundamental objective is the achievement of meaningful learning.

From this perspective, the student is an active agent in the construction of their learning, so the thematic axis is not a series of information that must be memorized, but a series of constructs that are generated from experience, with the teacher help.

In this way, a thematic axis on patriotic values ​​will not only be focused on memorizing the national anthem and the rest of the patriotic symbols, it is that the teacher through dynamic activities achieves that the student has a sense of belonging to his country and feel genuinely identified with their demonym.

Why do the thematic axes promote comprehensive education?

They are flexible in nature, so it is possible to approach them from different perspectives. In this sense, a teacher can cover various areas with a thematic axis, as long as they do not abandon the essence of the content.

In this sense, a thematic axis on the environment, would not only be summarized in the area of ​​biology, the language area can also be studied with stories about nature, mathematics when knowing the area of ​​ecological spaces, geography when knowing the activities environment and physical education, when doing outdoor sports activities.

Thus, everything will depend on the intention of the teacher, who has previously diagnosed the students, and will be able to determine which are the competencies that they need to strengthen. In this way, the acquired knowledge can be used in your daily life and will not be forgotten as occurs with rote learning.

Subjectivity in the approach

It should be remembered in the first place, that the thematic axes are framed in a constructivist education, in this sense, the educational process will be impregnated both with the subjectivity of the teacher (ideology, experience), and that of the student (interests, weaknesses). From this perspective, it is valid that in planning the ways of thinking of those involved in the educational act come together, since the idea is that learning for life is done democratically.

However, the teacher should not lose the essence of the thematic axis, letting himself be carried away by his passions. It is important that there is a balance in this regard, as there is a risk of verging on improvisation. In this case, a responsible practice should prevail where the student feels comfortable.