The advantages of interdisciplinary learning are similar to those of other high quality and effective learning and teaching situations.
- Learners are motivated and involved; they demonstrate an inquisitive attitude.
- Learners develop confidence in facing challenges, both intellectual and practical.
- Learning is connected and directly related to real-life experiences.
- Learners work individually and collaboratively.
In addition, there are particular benefits of interdisciplinary learning.
- It allows more in-depth exploration of topics, issues and problems within and across subject areas and disciplines.
- It enables the understanding of different perspectives across subject areas and disciplines.
- It makes learners want to understand the different curriculum areas in greater depth.
- It promotes critical thinking by supporting learners to:
- grasp main ideas and consider different ways of working across subjects and disciplines
- compare and contrast what is learned in different subjects and disciplines
- identify the appropriate knowledge and skills needed to investigate a particular issue or problem
- bring together information and ideas from different subjects and disciplines, consider alternative ways of doing things or alternative solutions, predict outcomes and explain all of these
- practise critical literacy skills in context.
- It supports the development of skills for learning, life and work.
The above characteristics of interdisciplinary learning can support individual learners in integrating and using what they learn in different subject areas and disciplines. They also contribute to the development of high order thinking skills.
“It is important that all learners are given appropriate opportunities to develop their thinking skills. These skills can be developed across a range of contexts including through more practical or applied learning opportunities.”
Building the Curriculum 4 (p.11)
