What are some interdisciplinary and project-based learning contexts that can improve writing skills?

2 Why are IPL and PBL good for writing?

IPL and PBL can improve your students' writing skills in several ways. First, they can increase their motivation and interest in writing, as they see the relevance and purpose of their work. Second, they can enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple sources and perspectives. Third, they can foster their creativity and innovation, as they generate original ideas and express them in various formats and media. Fourth, they can develop their communication and collaboration skills, as they share, discuss, and revise their work with peers and audiences.

3 How to design IPL and PBL for writing?

To design effective IPL and PBL activities for writing, you need to consider four main elements: the driving question, the content standards, the learning outcomes, and the assessment criteria. The driving question is the central question or problem that guides the project and sparks the students' curiosity. It should be open-ended, challenging, and relevant to the disciplines and the real world. The content standards are the specific knowledge and skills that the students need to learn from the disciplines involved in the project. They should be aligned with the curriculum and the grade level. The learning outcomes are the specific writing skills and competencies that the students need to demonstrate in the project. They should be clear, measurable, and attainable. The assessment criteria are the standards and rubrics that you use to evaluate the students' writing performance and progress. They should be consistent, transparent, and feedback-oriented.

4 How to implement IPL and PBL for writing?

To implement IPL and PBL activities for writing, you need to follow four main steps: launch, investigate, create, and present. In the launch phase, you introduce the driving question, the content standards, the learning outcomes, and the assessment criteria to the students. You also activate their prior knowledge, generate their interest, and form their groups. In the investigate phase, you facilitate the students' research, exploration, and inquiry into the topic or problem. You also monitor their progress, provide guidance, and scaffold their learning. In the create phase, you support the students' writing process, from planning and drafting to revising and editing. You also encourage their creativity, innovation, and reflection. In the present phase, you help the students' showcase their final products or solutions to their peers and audiences. You also celebrate their achievements, provide feedback, and assess their learning.

5 What are some examples of IPL and PBL for writing?

No matter the disciplines, topics, or grade levels, there are many possible examples of IPL and PBL activities for writing. For instance, you could write a historical fiction story from two different perspectives or a persuasive essay on a controversial issue using evidence from multiple disciplines. Additionally, you could write a blog post or podcast script on a current event or trend with data from various sources. You could also propose or report on a local or global problem while suggesting a solution using interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Lastly, you could create a poetry anthology or graphic novel inspired by a theme or genre from different cultures and traditions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?