Activity 7: My interdisciplinary connection map
"The fact that the
national curriculum specifies only general outcome goals, rather than the path
by which to attain them, means that teachers in schools have to work together
to develop the curriculum and instructional strategies tailored to the needs of
their school (students)." (McKinsey, 2007)
I teach in a school that has homeroom teachers who teach a class of students the core subjects of Numeracy and Literacy and Social Science. We have specialist teachers for science, art, music, dance and drama, health, Maori, and P.E. We are preparing our students for Secondary School where they will be taught separate subjects. There is some integration, as you can see above.
Do I agree with this set up? After doing the readings and watching the videos this week I have reasons to believe it is not the best way to proceed.
Reasons why we should consider a more interdisciplinary practice
We are part of a society that has changed …
Notions of knowledge have changed - whose, what and how it is used.
Our current model of learning fragments content so that each teacher is given a defined time block to cover material to be assessed. As a result, many topics are not addressed in schools. Interdisciplinary learning uses themes, topics or problems that need solving rather than along traditional subjects.
It enables students to study material in depth and to make connections between subject areas and topics, providing authentic experiences with greater value for the students
Interdisciplinary units enable teachers to use classroom time more efficiently and address content in depth. Digital technology promotes the collaboration of information between subject areas and students.
Students and teachers are able to see connections and relevance between topics and provide a variety of perspectives.
Students should be involved in the planning and development of interdisciplinary units.
It is time to address change in the way we teach.
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