Blog Post #2: Benefits of Cross-Curricular Learning

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to blog #2!

Today we will be discussing the benefits of cross-curricular learning in a math class.

Cross-curricular learning, also known as integrated learning, is a way of teaching that makes connections
between various subjects, where students can apply content to various applications and disciplines. This way of teaching allows teachers to combine curriculum expectations from different subjects into one lesson, to provide opportunities for students to make connections between subjects and contexts. Cross-curricular learning can be done at the elementary level and the secondary level. You may think that the elementary level is easier to implement this, as students are typically in the same class with the same teacher, so it is easier to make these connections, however, this can also be done within secondary classes as well. 

As mentioned on the Government of Ontario Education website, “the secondary math and science curricula are aligned so that students can apply what they learn in math to what they are learning in the sciences. For instance, in Grade 11 and 12 math courses, students learn the mathematical concepts needed to support learning in chemistry and physics courses in those grades”. This is one of many examples of where the cross-curricular approach can be used at the high-school level!

So what are the benefits of cross-curricular learning?

Cross-curricular teaching is a way to engage students in the content within a subject area, by including topics from other subjects that they may enjoy. There will be students who come into your math class with a negative mindset towards mathematics. The cross-curricular approach is a way that we can engage these students by making connections to courses and topics that they enjoy. If a student is very interested in history, we can make connections to the history curriculum. If a student is into sports, we can make connections to the physical education curriculum. 

Lucy Madden writes on the Letters to a Pre-Scientist blog "[cross-curricular teaching] is an effective way to teach students transferable problem-solving skills, give real-world meaning to school assignments, and increase engagement and rigor”. In the Kids Discover blog post by Richard Byrne, he explains that Jonathan Barnes' found that cross-curricular learning can strengthen “left brain – right brain” connections, which can help with student achievement. This can help reduce the negativity towards math, so that students can think “Oh yes, I can do this”, rather than “I’m not a math person”. This approach helps students develop skills and a mentality that they will use to gain success in a math class, as well as through other disciplines and contexts in their lives.

Cross-curricular thinking is used all throughout our lives. We are constantly making connections between different topics, situations, and disciplines. So why not start this cross-curricular approach in school, so help increase engagement and create opportunities for students to develop skills that they will use within, and beyond the classroom? Next week we will discuss some of the difficulties or challenges that may arise with cross-curricular learning!

Check out a quick summary of the benefits of cross-curricular learning here!

See you next week!

- Jenna