Training Course on Designing Interdisciplinary Learning Experiences

Training Course on Designing Interdisciplinary Learning Experiences

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, interdisciplinary learning is essential for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Training Course on Designing Interdisciplinary Learning Experiences equips educators, curriculum designers, and education leaders with tools to create immersive, cross-disciplinary instruction that connects real-world problems with academic content. By leveraging project-based learning (PBL), design thinking, and collaborative pedagogy, participants will learn how to develop compelling learning experiences that transcend subject boundaries.

This dynamic course emphasizes experiential learning, curriculum integration, and inclusive instruction. Participants will explore innovative models, assessment strategies, and best practices to design lessons that meet 21st-century learning outcomes. This course supports global educational goals by promoting equity, student agency, and sustainability education through holistic curriculum design. It is ideal for educators looking to empower learners to become interdisciplinary thinkers and global citizens.

Course Objectives

1. Define interdisciplinary learning and its role in 21st-century education.
2. Identify the benefits of curriculum integration across subject areas.
3. Explore project-based learning as a model for interdisciplinary instruction.
4. Develop interdisciplinary units that address real-world challenges.
5. Apply design thinking strategies to lesson and unit planning.
6. Integrate digital tools to support cross-curricular learning.
7. Analyze case studies of successful STEAM and humanities integration.
8. Construct performance-based assessments for interdisciplinary projects.
9. Collaborate in teams to create thematic learning modules.
10. Address diverse learning needs with inclusive design principles.
11. Align interdisciplinary outcomes with state and global standards.
12. Evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary learning on student engagement.
13. Build a portfolio of instructional design artifacts for future application.

Target Audiences

1. K-12 Teachers
2. Curriculum Developers
3. School Administrators
4. Higher Education Instructors
5. Instructional Coaches
6. Education Consultants
7. Teacher Educators
8. Education Policy Makers

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Interdisciplinary Learning

• Define interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches
• Explore the evolution and rationale for interdisciplinary education
• Examine the benefits for cognitive and social-emotional development
• Identify key theoretical frameworks
• Review interdisciplinary models from global education systems
• Case Study: Finland's national curriculum on transversal competencies

Module 2: Backward Design and Curriculum Mapping

• Introduce the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework
• Align learning outcomes across subject areas
• Create essential questions and enduring understandings
• Map interdisciplinary skills to standards
• Use vertical and horizontal planning
• Case Study: STEM + Social Studies in a Climate Change Unit

Module 3: Integrating Design Thinking into Instruction

• Understand the five stages of design thinking
• Apply empathy mapping to student learning
• Use ideation and prototyping in lesson planning
• Encourage iterative learning and reflection
• Connect design thinking to real-world problem solving
• Case Study: Middle school "City of the Future" design challenge

Module 4: Digital Tools for Interdisciplinary Learning

• Explore tools like Padlet, Canva, Jamboard, and Flipgrid
• Use technology to foster collaboration and creativity
• Incorporate multimedia storytelling into lessons
• Manage digital portfolios and assessment tools
• Evaluate tech for accessibility and equity
• Case Study: Virtual reality field trip integrating geography and literature

Module 5: Designing Thematic Units

• Develop themes that connect standards and subjects
• Integrate literature, art, science, and social studies
• Scaffold inquiry and problem-solving
• Design interdisciplinary learning goals
• Promote student-led exploration and agency
• Case Study: “Water as Life” unit combining biology, poetry, and civic action

Module 6: Inclusive Interdisciplinary Pedagogy

• Address neurodiversity in integrated settings
• Differentiate instruction across multiple content areas
• Incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy
• Build inclusive group projects
• Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Case Study: Differentiated environmental science + storytelling unit

Module 7: Assessment and Evaluation Strategies

• Design formative and summative assessments
• Create rubrics for interdisciplinary outcomes
• Incorporate self and peer assessments
• Use performance-based assessments
• Align assessments with learning goals and standards
• Case Study: Portfolio-based assessment in a Humanities + Tech course

Module 8: Professional Collaboration and Implementation

• Form cross-disciplinary planning teams
• Develop implementation timelines and feedback loops
• Foster a culture of collaborative inquiry
• Engage families and communities
• Sustain innovation through coaching and mentorship
• Case Study: Interdisciplinary PLC (Professional Learning Community) in action

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with real-world applications
• Hands-on workshops and design sprints
• Collaborative breakout sessions for team-based planning
• Reflective journaling and professional learning logs
• Project-based assignments and unit design tasks
• Peer feedback and virtual gallery walks of unit plans

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.