Teacher Skills Forum 2019

Interdisciplinary learning enables students to combine “hands-on” activities with what, mathematician Seymoure Papert, has termed “heads-in” exercises. The goal of an interdisciplinary approach is to allow students to synthesize ideas and transfer skills such as critical thinking, research, analysis and creativity across all disciplinary boundaries to consider alternative ways of acquiring knowledge. Some obvious themes that have emerged out of interdisciplinary curricula are the thematic combinations of mathematics and science or of literature, art and history. But what if we embraced a broader spectrum and brought two polarized disciplines, that have traditionally divided students, to a common ground? What if conventional geometry was taught through the lens of Islamic art? What if geometric patterns were perfected with mathematical measurements? What fruit will be borne for both teachers and learners from this fertile ground?
The Art of Geometry workshop aims to foster an environment with a low threshold to creativity for its participants regardless of their interests or skill level. This workshop will walk through the pedagogy and sample lesson plans of an arts and math interdisciplinary curriculum unit that has been implemented in our classrooms. Participants will also have the opportunity to listen to student testimonies of their experiences. Participants will reflect on their own practice within an interdisciplinary context and consider tools and techniques to achieve a deeper, more meaningful learning experience for their students.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:
- Develop thematic connections to create an interdisciplinary lesson plan
- Create a pilot class project which they are able to implement with a clear set of competencies and outcomes
- Enhance student learning by experiencing a hands-on interdisciplinary project