Definitons from the web:
+Denoting or relating to an approach to a topic that includes contributions from several different disciplines and viewpoints
+Connections that exist between concepts, vocabulary, and skills from different subject areas (including the arts), particularly those connections that lead to deeper understanding.
+A cross-curricular approach to teaching is characterised by sensitivity towards, and a synthesis of, knowledge, skills and understandings from various subject areas. These inform an enriched pedagogy that promotes an approach to learning which embraces and explores this wider sensitivity through various methods.
The Principles of Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning
Cross-curricular teaching and learning is:
?Based on individual subjects and their connections through authentic links at the level of curriculum content, key concept or learning process, or through an external theme/dimension;
?Characterised and developed by individual teachers with excellent subject knowledge, a deep understanding of their subject culture and a capacity to reconceptualise this within a broader context of learning beyond their subject, and with sensitivity towards other subject cultures;
?As much about a the development of a skilful pedagogy as anything else;
?Coherent in its maintaining of links with pupils? prior learning and experience;
?Contextualised effectively, presenting opportunities for explicit links with pupils? learning outside the formal classroom;
?Demanding in its use of curriculum time and resources, requiring flexibilityand often needing the support of senior managers if collaborative approaches are to be implemented effectively;
?Underpinned by a meaningful assessment process that is explicitly linked to, and informed by, the enriched pedagogical framework;
?Normally collaborative in its nature, requiring meaningful and sustained cooperation between subject teachers with support from senior managers.
The Purposes of Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning
The purposes of cross-curricular teaching and learning flow from an understanding of the definition and principles described above. As with the principles, these purposes benefit teachers and pupils alike. The purposes of cross-curricular teaching and learning are to;
?Motivate and encourage pupils? learning in a sympathetic way in conjunction with their wider life experiences;
?Draw on similarities in and between individual subjects (in terms of subject content, pedagogical devices and learning processes) and make these links explicit in various ways;
?Provide active and experiential learning for pupils;
?Develop meaningful co-operation and collaboration between staff leading to the dual benefits of curriculum and professional development;
?Contribute towards a broad range of teaching and learning opportunities located within individual subject teaching, across subjects and in relationship to specific external curriculum themes or dimensions;
?Promote pupils? cognitive, personal and social development in an integrated way;
?Allow teachers the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on their teaching and be imaginative and innovative in their curriculum planning;
?Facilitate a shared vision amongst teachers and managers through meaningful collaborations at all levels of curriculum design.
jsavage.org.uk/?p=568