Transdisciplinary themes: a new way of teaching and learning

As we’ve already saw in the previous post, the IB framework establishes 6 big themes whose main characteristic is to be mouldable to any age and cultural background.

from SCRIBD

The Transdisciplinary Themes of the PYP Curriculum are at the core of its educational philosophy. These themes go beyond subject-specific knowledge and play a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of students. Here are some key characteristics that define these themes:

 1. Encapsulation of Shared Commonalities: these themes serve as universal touchpoints that resonate with people across different cultures and backgrounds. They emphasize our shared human experiences, fostering empathy and understanding among students.

 2. Indication of Complexity and Connectedness: the themes highlight the intricate interplay of various aspects of the human condition on a global scale. They underscore that real-world issues are often multifaceted and interconnected, encouraging students to think critically and make meaningful connections.

 3. Engagement in Real-World Dialogues: by delving into these themes, students are prompted to explore and discuss genuine global issues. This engagement transcends theoretical learning, motivating students to become active participants in addressing real challenges faced by the world.

 4. Authentic Embeddedness of Subject Areas: the Transdisciplinary Themes break down the traditional silos of subject-based learning. They enable a seamless integration of different disciplines, promoting a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of concepts.

5. Contribution to the Uniqueness of the PYP: these themes are a distinguishing feature of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). They differentiate the PYP from conventional educational approaches, emphasizing a broader, more inclusive, and globally relevant perspective on learning.

Incorporating these characteristics into the curriculum not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to become well-rounded, socially conscious individuals capable of addressing the complexities of the modern world.

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Transdisciplinary learning in the PYP classroom

Many of you, both parents and teachers involved in the IB world, have probably heard about the phrase TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING, especially if your children or students are enrolled in grade 2 to 6 of the PYP (Primary Years Programme).

According to Nicolescu’s definition of this aspect of learning, the first key feature we must keep in mind is that transdisciplinarity go beyond subjects. Usually, a problem, an issue or a theme needs subjects as instruments, tools or resources to explore it in depth in order to connect the knowledge to the understanding of the world around us.

You have probably noticed how fun it is for PYP students to attend their lessons, how eager they are to learn and actively participate. Well, that’s because their curiosity, questions and voice are constantly taken into account and given a lot of space. A practice which is possible thanks to the absence of boundaries that subjects tend to set.

Besides, students are constantly integrating and connecting prior and new knowledge with experience, something that broadens their understanding of the world in a meaningful way.

In order to do so, the Primary Years Programme presents 6 transdisciplinary themes (we are going to see them more in depth in the next post) that provide a starting point for students’ exploration:

1)      1) Who we are

2)     2) Where we are in place and time

3)      3) How we express ourselves

4)      4) How the world works

5)      5) How we organize ourselves

6)      6) Sharing the planet

Now, this doesn’t mean, that curricular requirements can be ignored or avoided because we don’t focus our teaching on subjects. On the contrary, what happens is that homeroom teachers and specialists work together to a cooperative planner where they make sure that different topics of different subjects are covered in a transdisciplinary way and constantly aiming at the main transdisciplinary theme. 

In fact, the PYP curriculum establishes six distinct subject knowledge areas: language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical, social, and personal education. These foundational knowledge domains serve as the building blocks for students' education. Importantly, they provide the necessary tools and perspectives for students to delve into the exploration of the Transdisciplinary Themes. Together, they create a comprehensive and interconnected framework for holistic learning.

Picture's credit: Darian-Smith, Eve & McCarty, Philip. (2016). Beyond Interdisciplinarity: Developing a Global Transdisciplinary Framework *. Transcience Journal. 7.

Read this post in Spanish --> El aprendizaje transdisciplinar en el aula del PEP