Connecting the Dots: The Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning

Like blending your favorite flavors to create the ultimate ice cream sundae, interdisciplinary learning follows a similar approach. Mix and match different subjects together because life doesn’t happen subject-wise.

What is interdisciplinary learning?

In simple words, interdisciplinary learning involves integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines to address lessons co-relating to the real world. Unlike the traditional way of education, where subjects are taught in isolation, interdisciplinary learning encourages a synthesis of ideas and promotes a more comprehensive understanding of a given topic.

What are the benefits?

• Real-world relevance

An interdisciplinary approach helps mirror the interconnected nature of real-world challenges, as argued in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s publication ‘Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Design and Implementation’.

For example, in the real world, creating a garden isn’t only about science. It uses knowledge from Math to measure the garden area, planning where each plant should go. It uses knowledge from Social Studies to understand why certain plants thrive in different parts of the world. It uses knowledge from Arts to help design pretty signs for each plant or paint beautiful rocks to mark pathways.

• Raises critical thinkers

Multiple research studies across the world, including some presented in the Journal of Educational Psychology posit that interdisciplinary learning cultivates critical thinking skills. Early exposure to this learning approach then becomes a cornerstone for nurturing holistic development.

• Enhances retention and encourages engagement

Imagine you’re learning about ancient civilizations in a History class. Instead of just memorizing facts about each civilization in isolation - the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans - an interdisciplinary learning approach would encourage exploring connections between them or looking at each civilization as a general concept to teach them more about what Pyramids are, who made them, the ancient gods of the time, etc.

By weaving together these different subjects, you’re not just helping them memorize isolated facts. You’re creating a rich, interconnected tapestry of knowledge.

This approach helps their brain make stronger connections between different pieces of information. When it’s time for a test or project in school, they’re not only recalling

isolated facts, they’re tapping into a network of interconnected ideas, making the information more memorable and meaningful.

Exposing your children to interdisciplinary learning from a young age is more of a necessity than a choice, as the world doesn’t operate in neat subject categories. Whether they grow up to become scientists, artists, mathematicians, or entrepreneurs, the ability to think across disciplines will equip them to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the real world.

If you’d like to supplement your child’s school curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach, browse through my personally recommended curriculum. 

If you want to receive additional tips, exciting activities, and reading recommendations then sign-up for my Brings Joy Learning: Parent’s Guide to Holistic Education newsletter, where I walk you through the basics for free!

Whatever you choose to start with, only make sure that you stick to it!