Your Ultimate Guide to Interdisciplinary Approach in Teaching

In today’s world, we need people who can come up with innovative and creative solutions. The challenges and needs we face as a society require more than just traditional, one-dimensional thinking.

At Extramarks, we understand the need to rethink education and how we learn. That’s why we developed Smart Class Plus—to prepare the leaders of tomorrow. We believe that modern times call for new methods, which is why our approach focuses on learning by doing, living, and designing, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning at the heart of it all.

What is an Interdisciplinary Approach in Education?

Interdisciplinary teaching is an approach where students explore a single topic or issue from multiple perspectives.

For instance, if students are studying tourism in the United States using an interdisciplinary method, they might examine the revenue from tourism in an economics class, explore popular tourist destinations in geography, review historical tourism trends in history, and learn about advertising strategies for tourism agencies in marketing. Interdisciplinary teaching has been proven to improve concentration and make students more excited about their education.

Importance of Interdisciplinary Approach

As teachers, we are always seeking the best ways to engage our students and help them understand complex concepts. One helpful method is the interdisciplinary approach, which integrates multiple subjects into a cohesive learning experience. Here’s why this approach can be particularly beneficial for students:

1. Real-World Relevance: Life isn’t divided into separate subjects. An interdisciplinary approach helps students see the connections between different fields, making learning more relevant to real-world situations.
2. Critical Thinking: By drawing on multiple disciplines, students learn to approach problems from various perspectives. This enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Engagement: Students often find learning more engaging when they see how different subjects overlap. This can spark curiosity and a deeper interest in learning.
4. Collaboration Skills: Interdisciplinary projects often require teamwork. Working together on these projects helps students develop collaboration skills which further help them when they step into the real world.
5. Adaptability: The ability to integrate knowledge from different fields prepares students to adapt to new situations and challenges, a crucial skill in today’s ever-changing world.

How to Teach Using an Interdisciplinary Learning Model?

As mentioned earlier, an interdisciplinary learning model brings together different subjects and skills to help students see connections and solve real-world problems. Here’s how to teach using this approach:

1. Curriculum Integration

   Start by combining content from different subjects. For instance, you could integrate history with literature by having students explore historical contexts through novels set in those times. This approach helps students see how different fields of study are interconnected and enhances their understanding of the material.

2. Team Teaching

   Collaborate with teachers from other disciplines to create a more cohesive learning experience. By working together, you can design lessons that incorporate multiple subjects and provide a richer learning environment.

   For example, a science teacher and a math teacher could team up to show how mathematical concepts apply to scientific experiments.

3. Project-Based Learning

   Project-based learning engages students in solving real-world problems or completing projects that require applying knowledge from various subjects.

   For example, students might work on a project to design a sustainable garden, which could involve science (understanding plant growth), math (measuring and calculating space), and art (designing the layout). This hands-on approach encourages students to use their skills in practical ways and encourages deeper learning.

4. Problem-Based Learning

   In problem-based learning, students tackle complex problems that do not have straightforward solutions. This method promotes critical thinking and encourages students to draw on knowledge from various disciplines.

   For instance, you can ask students to investigate a local environmental issue, requiring them to use science to understand the problem, math to analyse data, and social studies to consider the community’s impact. This approach helps students develop problem-solving skills and learn how to integrate information from different areas.

5. Cross-Curricular Assessments

   Cross-curricular assessments evaluate students’ understanding across different subjects. Instead of testing students on each subject separately, you can use assessments that require them to apply knowledge from multiple areas.

   For example, a project that involves writing a report, creating a presentation, and analysing data can assess students’ skills in language arts, research, and critical thinking simultaneously. This type of assessment gives a much better picture of students’ abilities and how they use their learning in different contexts.

6. Guest Speakers and Experts

   Invite guest speakers or experts to your classroom to provide additional perspectives and insights. These visitors can bring real-world experience and expertise into your lessons, making the connections between subjects more tangible and relevant. They can also inspire students and offer valuable career insights.

7. Provide Feedback

   As a teacher, you can offer regular feedback on how students are integrating and applying knowledge from different subjects. Highlight their strengths and suggest areas for improvement. Constructive feedback helps students refine their skills and better understand how their learning connects across disciplines.

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Approach in Teaching

An interdisciplinary approach to teaching offers several benefits that enhance students’ learning experiences and cognitive development:

1. Recognise Bias

   By engaging with multiple disciplines, students are encouraged to identify and question their own preconceptions. This approach helps them understand how their existing beliefs may be influenced by specific frameworks or biases. Exposure to diverse perspectives allows students to challenge their assumptions and develop a more balanced view of the subject matter.

2. Think Critically

   Interdisciplinary teaching helps students think critically by combining ideas from different subjects. This approach encourages students to examine problems from various viewpoints, improving their ability to analyse information and arguments. By understanding different ways of thinking and learning from multiple fields, students become better at solving complex problems.

3. Tolerating Ambiguity

   Interdisciplinary teaching helps students get used to dealing with ambiguity. Instead of looking for one clear answer, they learn that different perspectives can lead to different interpretations. This helps them appreciate the complexity of issues and understand that ambiguity can be a natural part of solving problems.

4. Acknowledging Ethical Concerns

   Finally, this approach helps students recognise the ethical aspects of issues. While some disciplines focus on objective facts, incorporating ideas from moral philosophy helps students think about right and wrong, and the impact of their decisions. This broader view encourages them to consider ethical factors in their problem-solving.

Challenges Faced in Interdisciplinary Teaching

While interdisciplinary teaching can offer students a richer learning experience, it comes with its own set of challenges:

1. Logistical Challenges

   Coordinating schedules and organising joint classes can be difficult when different departments are involved. Finding common times for faculty to meet and collaborate, as well as aligning curricula can be time-consuming and complex.

2. Faculty Collaboration

   For interdisciplinary teaching to work well, faculty from different disciplines need to work together closely. This can be challenging if there are differences in teaching styles or if communication isn’t smooth. It takes effort and willingness from everyone involved.

3. Assessment Difficulties

   Measuring students’ progress in an interdisciplinary setting can be hard. Standard tests and assignments might not capture what students are learning across different subjects. Creating fair assessments that cover multiple disciplines can be complicated.

4. Resistance to Change

   Some educators and institutions may be resistant to changing established practices. There might be concerns about how interdisciplinary approaches fit within traditional academic structures or scepticism about their effectiveness.

5. Resource Allocation

   Interdisciplinary teaching often needs extra resources, like time for planning and materials that support various subjects. Getting these resources can be challenging, especially if budgets are tight.

Closing Thoughts

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach in education undoubtedly takes effort, teamwork, and a willingness to try new teaching methods. While there are challenges, the benefits for students in terms of learning to think critically, solve problems, and prepare for the real world are significant. It’s a journey that requires ongoing learning and improvement, but the results for both students and teachers are incredibly rewarding.

Last Updated on November 12, 2024