Teaching Methods: Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning

Interdisciplinary teaching and learning promotes connectedness between two or more disciplines, integrating and synthesizing knowledge from both in a way that is greater than the sum of its parts. The links below provide information about this approach and models of interdisciplinary courses and programs.

"Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning," Deborah DeZure (Eastern Michigan University; now at Michigan State University). From Essays on Teaching Excellence: Toward the Best in the Academy, 1999, a publication of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education.
This article defines interdisciplinary learning, presents a rationale for its use, and describes curricular approaches that promote it.
Link: http://teaching.uchicago.edu/pod/dezure.html

Association for Integrative Studies (AIS).
This comprehensive site on interdisciplinary teaching and learning includes guidelines for this approach to education, articles and AIS newsletters, the online journal, Issues in Integrative Studies, and selected interdisciplinary syllabi.
Link: http://www.units.muohio.edu/aisorg/index.html

Interdisciplinary Models of Service-Learning in Higher Education (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse).
This site focuses on integrating service-earning and interdisciplinary learning, discusses its benefits, provides resources and online links, and describes numerous examples of interdisciplinary service-learning courses and programs in higher education institutions.
Link: http://www.servicelearning.org/resources/fact_sheets/he_facts/interdisciplinary/

"Chapter 3. Structuring and Delivering Interdisciplinary Courses: Approximating the Ideal," James R. Davis. From Davis' book, Interdisciplinary Courses and Team Teaching, Oryx Press, 1997.
An extensive excerpt that provides guidelines for developing team-taught interdisciplinary courses.
Link: http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/ictt_xrpt.htm