What are Interdisciplinary Units and Studies?

From naturebridge.org

Let’s begin with the word “interdisciplinary” since we have an idea of what a unit and a study are. Well, inter- is a Latin root generally meaning between and discipline is an area of study. Therefore, we can safely say that interdisciplinary is the study between several subject areas. Easy enough. But how do you implement it? That’s a little tricky because no one way is right or wrong. Here are some tips on making it easier to implement.

§  Consult the experts. Usually a subject area department head can assist with resources and materials to help you get going as far as creativity or ideas for lesson plans. And if you are on any of the Social Media sites, access to more know-it-alls!

§  Don’t go it alone. Interdisciplinary Units work better is the teachers work as a team and coordinate lesson plans to reflect the teachings in other classes. It makes for a much more cohesive unit.

§  Have your administrator review the Unit for input. Your administrators work for you too! Why consult a teacher coach or principal? Maybe to save yourself from the recent embarrassment that a school in Georgia experienced.

§  Be flexible. Not everything can be fit into one class. Make sure your lessons have the capacity to be flexible. The classroom is not the same from one minute to the next. And give yourself a break if you don’t get to it all!

§  Allow the students to make their own connections between the subjects. Teachers are no longer lecturers, they are learning facilitators! You are the head coach of your own indoor sports team! Just guide them in the right direction!