What are the most common challenges when developing interdisciplinary curricula?

2 Resistance to change

Another challenge is to deal with the resistance to change that may arise from different groups within the educational system. Some teachers may feel insecure, overwhelmed, or threatened by the new approach, especially if they lack the training, resources, or time to adapt. Some students may struggle to adjust to the different modes of learning, assessment, and interaction. Some parents may question the validity, relevance, or rigor of the interdisciplinary curricula. Educational leaders need to provide ongoing professional development, coaching, and mentoring for teachers, as well as guidance, scaffolding, and differentiation for students. They also need to engage parents in the process and address their concerns and expectations.

3 Collaboration challenges

A third challenge is to foster effective collaboration among teachers from different disciplines, who may have different backgrounds, perspectives, and styles of teaching and learning. Interdisciplinary curricula require teachers to work together to design, deliver, and evaluate the curriculum, as well as to model and facilitate interdisciplinary thinking and skills for students. This can be challenging in terms of time, space, and culture. Educational leaders need to create a supportive and respectful environment for collaboration, and provide opportunities and incentives for teachers to share their expertise, ideas, and feedback. They also need to monitor and evaluate the collaboration process and outcomes, and celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges.

4 Curriculum integration

A fourth challenge is to achieve a meaningful and coherent integration of the disciplines, without compromising their depth, breadth, or integrity. Interdisciplinary curricula should not be a superficial or arbitrary combination of topics or activities, but rather a purposeful and rigorous exploration of a complex issue, problem, or question that requires multiple perspectives and methods. Educational leaders need to ensure that the interdisciplinary curricula are based on clear and relevant themes, objectives, and questions, and that they balance the disciplinary and interdisciplinary aspects of the curriculum. They also need to ensure that the interdisciplinary curricula are aligned with the students' interests, needs, and abilities, and that they provide opportunities for inquiry, discovery, and reflection.

5 Assessment issues

A fifth challenge is to design and implement appropriate and effective assessment methods and tools for interdisciplinary curricula. Traditional assessment methods and tools may not capture the full range of learning outcomes and skills that interdisciplinary curricula aim to develop, such as creativity, synthesis, analysis, communication, and teamwork. Educational leaders need to develop and use alternative and innovative assessment methods and tools, such as portfolios, projects, presentations, rubrics, and self- and peer-assessment. They also need to ensure that the assessment methods and tools are valid, reliable, and fair, and that they provide constructive and timely feedback to students and teachers.

6 Sustainability factors

A sixth challenge is to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the interdisciplinary curricula, beyond the initial development and implementation phases. Interdisciplinary curricula may face various internal and external threats, such as changes in leadership, staff, policies, or funding, that may undermine their continuity and quality. Educational leaders need to establish and maintain a clear vision, mission, and strategy for the interdisciplinary curricula, and secure the necessary resources, support, and recognition for them. They also need to evaluate and document the impact and outcomes of the interdisciplinary curricula, and share the best practices and lessons learned with other schools and educators.