Describes some of the ways children in a kindergarten, grade one, and grade two combination class learn math by choosing to do it in real, sensible, and interesting ways. This whole math approach has children develop their own problems to investigate specific topics that combine math, science, problem solving, and the language arts. (MDM)

A five-phase model for integrating women's issues into the traditional college curriculum is outlined, with examples from five disciplines. The model is then applied to the medical curriculum, as a means of creating a curriculum for a specialty in women's health or including women's health in general medicine/medical specialties. (MSE)

A study investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary course on the scientific method on the attitudes of 34 college students toward the paranormal. Results indicated that the course substantially reduced belief in the paranormal, relative to a control group. Student beliefs in their own paranormal powers, however, did not change. (Author/MSE)

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine conducts an off-campus retreat for medical residents, in which the instructional focus is on the humanities and particularly difficult medical and ethical issues. Students have found the format beneficial both personally and professionally, valuing involvement of senior faculty, the programs'…

Investigates the relationship between teaming and empowerment by comparing the perceived empowerment of middle-school teachers working in departmentalized organizations to those of teachers working on interdisciplinary teams. Interdisciplinary team members felt significantly more empowered in all six factors (decision-making, professional growth,…

It is argued that, if today's college students are to be prepared for citizenship and careers, they must learn about both the complexity of American society and global interconnections and that this is accomplished best through general education that is both intercultural and interdisciplinary. (MSE)

Shares observations made by a third-grade teacher who experimented with a variety of strategies to improve her students' abilities to write about mathematics. Notes that this gave the teacher a greater understanding of how students approached solving math problems and helped students practice writing in a meaningful way. (SR)

Describes how one English teacher implemented a cross-curricular team-teaching method that combined instruction in American literature and history to create an American studies approach. Outlines how two teachers taught aspects of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." (HB)

Describes a model for negotiation based on an analysis of teaching-learning dialogues. Topics discussed include the concept of negotiation in research; the relevance of dialogue analysis and modeling for artificial intelligence research; multidisciplinary perspectives; negotiation processes; communicative acts in negotiations; and theoretical…

Discusses ways in which cultural diversity may be introduced into general education. Presents a series of classroom assignments for introductory college courses in literature, humanities, history, and philosophy designed to demonstrate that cultural diversity is not limited by ethnic, gender-based, or geographic parameters. (MAB)

Cooperative learning is a developmentally appropriate tool that enhances subject relevancy and real-life learning for adolescents. When coupled with an interdisciplinary curriculum, cooperative learning can add instructional variety, help students show consideration for others, involve students in decision making and problem solving, provide…

Eschewing Little Mermaid and Ninja Turtle costumes, students at a Washington Montessori school celebrate Halloween dressed as John Adams, Clara Barton, and other historical figures. U.S. Department of Education recently recognized eight schools for using interdisciplinary approaches, devoting adequate instructional time to history, and addressing…

Suggests an innovative technique for the graduate curriculum in literature and language that can help new faculty members develop not only culture courses but also competency in interdisciplinary scholarship, discussing course organization, varieties of interdisciplinary study, and the professional development seminar. (20 references) (CB)

Describes and compares freshman/sophomore level courses offered collaboratively by a professor and a librarian at the University of Colorado, Boulder: "The Human Encounter with Alcohol" and "Bioethics." Considers course rationale, topics, and assignments; methods used to integrate subject matter with bibliographic research strategies; and…

Described is how the construction of a breathalyzer was used by high school students to focus on a variety of concepts and principles of science and mathematics. The procedure for constructing the breathalyzer, related material, and summary are included. (KR)