FP presentation_24-11-2016

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vmbo k
• Leerjaar 3

Interdisciplinary education

Introducing myself

* Bianca Hummel

* Teacher at Roelof van Echten      College (2,5 years)

* vmbo basis/kader, 2nd and 3rd  year

* Start study: Aug. 2012

* Graduate: Dec. 2016

Why this topic?

Topic: Interdisciplinary education - a way of meaningful learning

- vmbo pupils

- connecting knowledge

- motivation

- RvEC

Meaningful learning

David Ausubel

• 1918-2008
  
• a cognitive learning theorist
  
• meaningful learning
  
• learning as a active process
  

Memorize without understanding

Spread of activation

Vmbo pupils

Motivation

• intrinsic/extrinsic
  
• in control
• clear feedback from teachers

Vmbo pupils

Learning skills and didactics

• practical minded
  
• meaningful context
• structure and guidance
• new media

Interdisciplinary teaching

• Defenition
  
• Theories
  
• Pros and Cons
  
• In practice
  

What does interdisciplinary teaching mean (to you)?

Interdisciplinary teaching

It means: different subjects/courses working together within one central theme.

Based on two theories:

• Social constructivism
  
• Mulitiple intelligences (Gardner)
  

Social constructivism

Acquiring knowledge, forming knowledge and sharing with others

- learning is constructing knowledge

- work in groups
- being the owner of your learning        process

Multiple intelligences

8 different potential pathways of learning

complex problems

work in groups

Pros (teacher)

- valuable addition to other lesson forms

- working together with (other) colleagues

Cons (teacher)

- it takes time and money

- scheduling appointments other colleagues

- no teaching methods

- emphasis on skills instead of specific (theoretical) knowledge

Pros (pupil)

- ownership

- encounter problems from different perspectives

- learning/combining (social) skills in groups 

- connections between subjects

Cons (pupil)

- demands a lot from social skills

- independent learning (work in groups) -> requires guidance and instruction

Role teacher

- creating/designing

- observing/guiding

Coaching instead of teaching

In practice

Four activities:

1. Inventory - find common ground

2. Adapt - overlap, terminilogy

3. Cooperate - subjects design part of education

4. Integrate - parts of subjects integrated in interdisciplinary projects

Quality criteria

1. activating existing knowledge

2. meaningful learning

3. reflection

Action plan

1. Teachers meet each other

2. Preparing lessons

3. Practice as a starting point

4. Professional language

5. Integrate language and profession

6. Elaborate practical situation

Let's brainstorm!

Situation:

The management asked you to design an interdisciplinary project with your colleague who is teaching hospitality business (tourism, hotel business etc.)

Follow the steps of the action plan and let's brainstorm what information we need in order to design an interdisciplinary assignment

Step 1: Which language skill(s) would you focus on and why?

Step 2: Think of a real-life situation and what skill would be necessary?

Step 3: Key concepts/words/sentences pupils need to know/learn

Step 4: Think of a practical situation and how pupils could show this specific skill (designing).

My practical assignment 

An English film (hand-out)

Combining English with handicraft

2nd year vmbo

A1/A2 level

Conclusions/recommendations 

- it makes learning meaningful

- needs to be supported by management and teachers

- start small

- more research about assessing assignments

Homework assignment

Assignment 1 (6 hours)

Think of a vocational subject at a/your school that could integrate with the subject of English. In order to make this happen, you are required to complete part A and B of this assignment.

Part A – preparation

Part B – designing an assignment

Assignment 2 (4 hours)

Write an essay (max. 500 words)

Write a proposal to the board of a/your school. Describe the concept of meaningful learning and suggest interdisciplinary education. Mention the pros and cons of interdisciplinary education and include a plan how to take the first steps to integrate this in the curriculum. You could mention the assignment you made for assignment 1 to convince them of the added value.

Thank you!

Thank your for attending this FP presentation.

For further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

[e-mail]