Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 328 Unit 4 The Teacher Interdisciplinary learning is an educational process in which two or more subject areas are integrated with the goal of nurturing heightened learning in each of the subject areas involved. It often involves core disciplines such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, technology, social studies, and ethical decision-making. In short, an interdisciplinary approach is an edu- cational method that incorporates knowledge and skills from multiple areas or disciplines. Interdisciplinary learning often occurs in teams when each team member can contribute individually, and dialogue and decision-making can be done as a team (Figure 14.21). This is the most common method of integrating interdisciplinary learning methods however, it can also be done individu- ally, given time allowances and careful problem size formulation. Individuals demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding when they integrate knowl- edge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines. Another way to integrate interdisciplinary learning is to utilize thematic units. For example, global warming may be the broad topic from which all subjects are explored. Sometimes this is referred to as parallel instructional design. Interdisciplinary teaching methods often work best when they are stu- dent led. If students voice concern about an issue in their own community, teachers may find ways to use their interest as a catalyst for integrative learning. For example, if historical bigotry or bullying is an issue the teacher is addressing in Social Studies, in English class, students might look at the emotional change of bullied characters over a story and reflect on their own emotional changes when experiencing or witnessing bullying. Students may then strategize to find solutions to bullying in their own community. Implementing these large themes works well to unite the school. Why is interdisciplinary learning valued today? Because the world is complex, most problems people face do not fall under just one academic discipline, such as English or math. It gives teachers and students real- world opportunities to promote learning in meaningful ways. Teachers and students can dig deeper into topics by using multiple sources of information to widen perspective. Step 1 Identify the decision to be made. Identify all possible alternatives. Consider each alternative. Make the decision. Carry out the decision. Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Evaluate the decision. Step 6 The Decision-Making Process Figure 14.21 The decision-making process is a useful way to make informed, thoughtful decisions.