Topic-Based Learning: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Education

(combined blog entry 3 & 4)
 

In one of our lectures this term, I learned about a concept called “topic-based education” or “topic-based learning,” and found this idea to be very new, interesting and relevant to the field of education today. Instead of having lessons that are divided into subjects throughout the day, topic-based learning focuses on a particular topic and then integrates several subject areas into the lesson. In other words, topic-based learning aims to find links between discrete subjects and specific topics or themes. 

Topic-based learning, therefore, is based on a transdisciplinary approach to education which focuses on problem-solving, collaboration and the interweaving of subjects. This allows for the assessment of real life contexts while enabling students to relate the knowledge they acquire to real life situations - ultimately preparing them to be active members of society.

The following video discusses the idea of transdisciplinary learning and compares it to the structure of our current education system where subjects are distinct and kept separate. The problem with this is that subjects do not interact like they do in the real world. Real world problems are multidisciplinary and require different aspects from different disciplines to holistically explore and solve the issue at hand. If students are learning subjects separately, it causes a mismatch between schooling and reality and does not prepare them for life beyond school. Transdisciplinary learning has great potential to fix this critical issue facing education today as it better prepares students through the development of 21^st century literacy skills and application of knowledge through real world problems.

Using a transdisciplinary approach or topic-based learning would also make it much easier for educators to teach and help students develop 21^st century skills within their classrooms. When subjects are fluid and interwoven, it allows access for multiple literacies to play a role all at once. For example, one topic might be acts of racism (such as police brutality towards people of color). Within this topic, teachers can bring in subject matter from world history, politics, geography, and so on. The 21^st century literacies that students can build on would include multicultural literacy, critical literacy, media literacy, moral literacy, and even mental health literacy. The transdisciplinary classroom should also be designed to facilitate different learning styles and needs of students. For example, some individuals learn better when they work in small groups and are actively communicating and collaborating with others. Others, however, learn more when they teach others, much like our literacy expert groups in our EDUC 4P27 course. Then of course, there are different ways of learning – orally, digitally, visually, etc. The possibilities of topics and literacies to build knowledge and skill are endless in this transdisciplinary approach and also allow students to learn in multiple formats.

 

image retrieved from: crayfishstudios.com

 While this new approach to teaching seems much more fun and interesting, it does have its complications and challenges. As a future educator, I would like to incorporate this method into my own practice, but I think it is important to consider the pros and cons of strategies before implementing them as it can help one prepare for the challenges they may face and to start thinking about how they can overcome them. Here is a brief list of some advantages and disadvantages of topic-based learning that I have come up with:

Advantages:

·         -applicable to real life situations

·         -promotes the development of 21^st century literacies

·         -can be contextualized in a way that is relevant to the students and their community while still following and meeting the provincial curriculum expectations

·         -can be crafted to the specific needs of certain students at different times and places

·         -the idea of a “Negotiated Curriculum” – where students have a say in what and how they would like to learn certain things

·         -improves student participation and engagement within the classroom

·        -greater self-awareness and motivation to learn

Disadvantages:

·         -much more time and effort required on behalf of the teacher

·         -difficult to replicate or make comparisons

·         -harder to teach and assess

·         -teacher must possess interest, creativity and passion (although, if they want to utilize this method but are not sure how, perhaps attending workshops could help them overcome this challenge)

·         -meeting the needs of all students in various different ways may be difficult

·         -access to resources may be limited

Throughout my years of schooling, I have many times questioned the content I was being taught. I’d always think to myself “when will I ever use this knowledge in the real world?” To be honest, much of this knowledge I still have yet to apply to the real world, such as complex mathematical equations. With topic-based learning and the interaction of subjects, students are better able to make connections to their own lives and this promotes greater interest, engagement, motivation, and in due course; greater student achievement and success. Though it may be daunting at first, especially as a beginner teacher, I believe the rewards and benefits of topic-based learning are endless and if teachers really want to make learning more enjoyable and relevant to students’ lives, they can surely find ways to overcome the challenges they may face or alter certain aspects to suit the needs of their own classroom.

References:

SFT Youtube. (December 2, 2013). Answers – The Future of Education: Transdisciplinary Learning. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMMERxJ_ogo