How does interdisciplinary learning affect learning outcomes?
Interdisciplinary learning is the perfect teaching method for those who like to combine all the subjects needed to learn with those who are actually learning. Essentially, it’s all about mixing different areas of skills and knowledge for a more complete learning experience. Think of it as you step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas that may be useful in the future. For example, students can learn about history through art and literature. Our world is constantly changing and full of diversity, so interdisciplinary learning is especially useful these days. From ideas to culture, people need to be fully aware of what lies around them. This can only be achieved through a more holistic approach to learning. Let’s explore why this approach is so beneficial to education and how to successfully implement it.
66 Benefits of Interdisciplinary Learning in Education
1. Enhance critical thinking
It’s like constant brainstorming, as students learn many subjects and concepts when they engage in interdisciplinary learning. They need to learn about different perspectives and therefore find new ways to solve problems. That’s what people do in every subject in their class, even if they don’t recognize it. For example, you are learning mathematics by applying theory to practice, and you are learning literature by interpreting what you read and relating it to the real world. This will refine students’ critical thinking skills and allow them to obtain important information from all subjects. Therefore, when they face problems, they combine all their knowledge and come up with a unique solution.
2. Improved adaptability
Studying all of the different subjects at once increases the learning process by training and tuning the brain. Students are generally more adaptable as they easily transition between different courses. In this way, they can acquire a variety of skills and acquire all kinds of knowledge. This is extremely useful in a competitive, fast-paced work environment. For example, if someone experiences interdisciplinary learning in school and is asked to learn new skills for their current role or switch to a completely different role, they can easily do so .
3. We supported creativity and innovation
As students leave their comfort zone and explore new areas of learning, it sparks their inspiration and creativity. By working with multiple subjects, you can connect different concepts and come up with unique ideas. Let’s say someone needs to solve a math problem. But they also love art. An innovative way to solve it is to try and visualize it. After all, creativity thrives with diversity. When you mix different perspectives and theories, you get fresh ideas that can turn into creative projects.
4. Engagement and motivation
Enthusiasts enjoy a completely different learning experience than unmotivated students. They want to learn and do their best to achieve their goals, attend classes and explore new things. This is the precise essence of interdisciplinary learning. Students can add elements from their beloved subjects to boring topics. Let’s say someone hates chemistry but needs to pass the lesson. In that case, you can use what you enjoy, such as art or graphic design, to get a sense of complex concepts and try to make them more relevant.
5. Cultivating cultural awareness
Interdisciplinary learning goes beyond academic skills. It also improves soft skills such as cultural awareness. As students explore different topics and diverse opinions, they become more sympathetic to others’ perspectives and have a better understanding of different cultures. Additionally, these programs can connect students from all over the world. In this way, through collaborative projects and discussions, they can exchange opinions and explore the favourite subjects of their peers. Soon, they can expand their knowledge and expose themselves to a variety of cultures, traditions, and even languages.
6. Strengthen your teamwork skills
Speaking of collaboration, interdisciplinary learning helps people connect and combine ideas and create collectively. Students are proficient in active listening and can focus their attention even on things they are not interested in. This will provide insights and opinions on a variety of topics and make you a great partner in your group projects as you can help others do your part and communicate. Their ideas are confident. Furthermore, when people with different interests unite in common goals, like physics projects, they can engage in interesting conversations and create strong teams.
How to adopt interdisciplinary learning
Identify your learning goals
You need to set goals before implementing new learning strategies in the classroom. You have to decide what you want to learn from your students and how to combine them with what you want to learn for yourself. For example, how do different subjects connect to achieving learning outcomes?
Lesson Design
When creating lessons for interdisciplinary learning, it is important to remember that you want to create fun combinations of different subjects. For example, you are teaching literature. As you immerse students in interesting stories, ask them to create illustrations of the landscapes and people listed in the book. The greater the connection with other lessons, the more enjoyable the process will be for the student.
Careful planning
When planning this, it is best to consult with other teachers and professors. Since each expert is an expert in his or her field of interest, two or more minds are undoubtedly better than one. Team up to create a comprehensive multidisciplinary plan and don’t hesitate to ask your peers for help in case you’re not used to a particular subject. Together, you will be able to find the perfect balance.
Project-based learning
To establish further effort, try assigning students an interdisciplinary learning project. For example, if you want to combine history with mathematics, create a project for them to do their work to understand the subject more. Regular practical practice helps them grasp the most complex concepts, give students complete freedom to handle their learning paths, and how they can connect different topics. It will help you explore yourself.
Flexible classroom setup
Flexible classroom setups are the foundation of interdisciplinary learning. You should create an open space with an adjustable desk and chair. These chairs can easily move around and provide students with space to explore. They need to be able to move their seats to other desks and into the form group, but they also need to have easy access to materials and equipment. Whiteboards, projectors and bookshelves should be visible throughout the room. Finally, don’t forget to emphasize that they are free to use the space they desire to feel comfortable.
Use the tools
Speaking of equipment, there is nothing technology can’t promote. Use only technical tools that make learning more enjoyable and interactive, but make sure everything is related to the lesson or subject. You can use learning apps, videos, or simulations that combine seemingly unrelated topics. And if you’re losing your ideas, there’s always a forum or a virtual community to provide you with solutions and inspiration.
Conclusion
Interdisciplinary learning is an innovative way to stimulate students’ interests and help them strengthen multiple skills at once while gaining valuable knowledge. If you show your commitment to this initiative and express excitement about the benefits, your students will want to be more enthusiastic. This increases the likelihood that interdisciplinary programs will be successful, allowing learners to achieve their goals much faster.
