Interdisciplinary Approaches in the Classroom K-12
Trainer: Engy Hammam
Duration: 18 Hours
Objectives
By the end of this professional development course, K-12 teachers will be able to:
1. Understand the principles and benefits of interdisciplinary teaching in a K–12 context.
2. Identify connections across subject areas and standards.
3. Design integrated learning experiences that combine content from multiple disciplines.
4. Apply strategies to plan, implement, and assess interdisciplinary units.
5. Collaborate with colleagues to develop cross-disciplinary instructional practices.
6. Use real-world problems and project-based learning to foster student engagement and deeper understanding.
7. Reflect on challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary teaching in their specific school setting.
Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Teaching
• Definition and types of interdisciplinary approaches (multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, etc.)
• The case for interdisciplinary learning: benefits for students and teachers
• Brain research and cognitive science supporting integration
• Success stories and models from K-12 schools
Module 2: Standards & Curriculum Mapping Across Disciplines
• How to align standards from different subjects
• Finding natural intersections in your existing curriculum
• Tools for curriculum mapping and integration planning
Module 3: Designing Interdisciplinary Units & Lessons
• Backward design for interdisciplinary learning
• Choosing a central theme, question, or problem
• Lesson design models: thematic, project-based, inquiry-driven
• Scaffolding across subjects and grade levels
• Differentiation and student-centered strategies
Module 4: Assessment & Evaluation in Interdisciplinary Teaching
• Formative and summative assessment in integrated settings
• Rubrics for interdisciplinary learning
• Student self-assessment and reflection tools
• Aligning assessment with standards and real-world outcomes
Module 5: Collaborative Planning & Co-Teaching
• Building partnerships with other teachers across departments
• Scheduling and team teaching logistics
• Communication and decision-making for shared instructional planning
• Conflict resolution and shared ownership
Module 6: Real-World Integration & Community Connections
• Integrating local issues, global problems, and community expertise
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) and service learning as interdisciplinary tools
• Partnering with local institutions (museums, universities, organizations)
Module 7: Implementation Planning & Reflection
• Identifying opportunities for application within your school context
• Creating an action plan for interdisciplinary instruction
• Anticipating challenges and setting realistic goals
• Reflecting on personal growth and mindset shifts