As an IB PYP school, we are obligated to create units that are transdisciplinary. This means that wherever possible subjects like Art, Math, PE, Language, and Music should be tied into the unit of inquiry. This is not an easy process and many schools do this differently depending upon the size and culture of the school. However in my experience there are several things that help make transdiciplinary learning/activities possible.
Planning:
Time must be made for all the teacher involved in the unit to meet together. This helps to ensure the teachers are all on the same page with the direction of the unit. It also allows for teachers who are specialists to provide additional strategies and suggestions. For example, during an art based unit, the art teacher is a valuable resource and can provide ideas and suggestions for activities/field trips that can be done with the home room teacher.
Reflection:
Reflecting after a unit is key. This allows for teachers to provide their feedback on what worked well and what didn't work well. The aim is to use these reflections to make necessary changes to the units the following year.
Communication:
Communication plays an essential part in transdiciplinary learning. Teachers must continual communicate with each other so the progress of the unit can be monitored and changes made to other lessons if necessary. Additionally, teachers need to ensure the connections between classes is clear to the students.
Buy-in:
In order for any transdisciplinary unity to be effective, teachers must buy in to the concept. If teachers do not see the value in the linking units across the subject areas, then they will not be successful.
Those are really the 4 key elements that I see as essential for transdisciplinary learning to be successful.
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