Topic 3

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND INTERDISCIPLINARY

APPROACH
MULTIDISCIPLINARY LESSONS
What is the multidisciplinary approach?
The multidisciplinary approach is also called the “interdisciplinary”
approach.
It allows for the combination of different subjects during one lesson
or project.
It can be also be an opportunity to team teach with another
teacher if so desired (although it is by no means necessary).

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Why use it?
Real-world situations are complex and require
knowledge of several different subjects.

Encourages the students to apply their existing and

newly-acquired knowledge in a more practical and
hands-on way.

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 The Israeli-
Palestinian
Conflict

Obviously this is a very complex issue.

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 Retaliation Political
mentality Origins of
Israel

The Israeli-
Palestinian
Conflict
Religious Water
differences Resources

These are all factors in the conflict. Each factor represents a

different discipline or area of study.
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 Retaliation Political
mentality Origins of
Israel
Sociology The Israeli- History

Palestinian
Conflict

Religious Water
differences Resources
Philosophy Earth Science

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Here's an example:
It's impossible to analyse the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
without touching on several different subjects.

This example is intentionally broad, but there are

plenty of opportunities to incorporate other disciplines
into your lessons.

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6 steps for a multidisciplinary lesson:

 Pre-instructional planning – If teaching alone, make sure

that you are acquainted with the material from the other
disciplines.
 Introduce the methodology to your students – Explain why
the subject at hand has such a wide variety of approaches to
understanding it.
 Deliver the lesson – Make sure to deliver the content in a
clear, coherent way so that the students understand the
connections between each point and how they relate to
each other.

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Practice interdisciplinary thinking – Give your
students regular assignments that allow them to
think about issues from other sides, other than
just the subject you teach.
Provide feedback – Note especially if the
students are able to successfully integrate and
synthesize their knowledge.
Self-assessment – Ask the students to evaluate
their ability to view a topic from multiple angles.

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INTRADISCIPLINARY
(WITHIN SUBJECT)
• Arrangement of knowledge
and skills within one subject
area.
• Respects the subjects distinct
conceptual structures.
• Aim is to integrate the
subject’s knowledge and skills
in to comprehensible whole.
• Knowledge and skills within
one subject area are
connected from grade-to-
grade.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY
(BETWEEN SUBJECT AREAS)
• Subject areas are independent
of one another.
• Teachers plan ahead and
coordinate the timing and
method of teaching of related
topics.
• Teachers DO NOT attempt to
draw together different subject
area’s perspectives.
Note: Before teachers attempt
drawing a correlation between
subjects interdisciplinary integration
should be established.
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 BENEFITS OF INTEGRATION

In times of change, learners shall inherent the earth while the
learned are beautifully equipped for a world that no longer
exists. – Eric Hoffer
Focuses on helping students learn to fully use their brains.
Assists students in making learning connections between
disciplines.
Allows students to participate as active problem creators
and solvers.
Creates responsible and creative learners and gives students
the opportunity to explore their interests and needs within the
curriculum standards.
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 CHALLENGES WITHIN INTEGRATION

Changing the curriculum can be very difficult. It requires

collaboration and the acceptance of change by teachers,
parents and administrators.
Some teachers and students may have a hard time
adjusting to new expectations and role definitions.
Resistance by those who have found success within the old
curriculum structure.

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