Activity 7: My interdisciplinary connection map

From my studies, we trialled in 2016 commerce a unit that crossed over boundaries.  We started breaking down silos,  having students work in different class groups, environments, and develop new skills.  It was successful with the students in peer support, students starting to transfer the skills. This year our principal is looking to us to extend this, the students planning a real life trip to Wellington and then we go. (Teaching was just commerce.) The School runs a year 10 interdisciplinary technology programme over three days with many voluntary staff.  Commerce crosses boundaries with Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Financial Literacy environments and sustainability.  The Flatting Assignment covers Mathematics, Social studies, Economics and financial literacy.

The coggle above is a start point for interdisciplinary connections (dream), to include  transferable skills.   To start communicate my idea with other like minded on the staff, gauge interest.  Bring together an action group to plan (my coggle starting point only).

One potential connection could be the Maori department, local iwi and support.  Being culturally responsive is a school wide goal.  The benefits: local knowledge, local beliefs, Maori culture, leading to 'koha' food preparations.  Consequences: giving up content time. 

Step 2:

We need to work within the timetable confines to start.  Planning stage would include communication and development of outcomes. Find like minded teachers prepared to give it a go. (An example all options run at the same time so could use those classes to move around learning relevant skills then in groups and present the project.  Learning criteria and Success Criteria 'nutted' out, with a real life goal.  After development, regular short (standing meetings) to answer questions. Have  plan presented at HOD meeting to gain senior management and technology support.  Environment: classrooms in some parts, opening up A2, A3, big space, Whanaui, art space, foods room. All spaces would be available if students.  

Start with my plan - those interested could use PLG inquiry for 2017, it is building on our school goals, covers required areas and gives real purpose.  Term 1 (and 2) meetings devoted to decision-making, goal-setting and planning.  Term 3 the time block and actually giving it a go.  Year 10s are good at trying new ideas and concepts.  To complete cycle, Term 4 should be critical reflection. What worked, what didn't, changes for 2018, other involvements. Moving towards the concepts shown in the video "Ross Spiral Curriculum: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Science".  All learning integrated, engaging, real life - what a dream?

A conceptual model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration May 2015