Complex networks approach to curriculum analysis and subject integration: a case study on Physics and Mathematics

TL;DR

This study uses complex network analysis to examine and compare the structure of Physics and Mathematics curricula, revealing insights into content organization and interdisciplinary connections.

Contribution

It introduces a novel complex network methodology for curriculum analysis and demonstrates its application to Physics and Mathematics education.

Findings

Integrated networks have higher average degree due to interdisciplinary links.

Modularity analysis reveals similarities and differences with original curriculum.

Key concepts' prominence varies between separated and integrated networks.

Abstract

This paper presents a methodological approach based on the use of complex networks to analyze the structure and content of curricula. We analyze the concept network built from the final year of a particular high school Physics curriculum, as well as that of Mathematics. We examine the most central nodes in each case, the community structures (coherent units or groupings), and the changes that occurred when the network was considered in isolation or integrated with Mathematics. The results show that the integrated Physics and Mathematics network has a higher average degree compared to the individual networks, driven by numerous interdisciplinary connections. The modularity analysis indicates similarities with the original curriculum layout, but also interesting differences that may suggest alternative ways of organizing the content. The differences between separated and integrated networks also highlights the prominence of certain key concepts.