Published in Pacelli Perspective

April 27, 2022

Searching for Meaning Using Interdisciplinary Learning

2nd in a series of 3

Education is a wondrous world of discovery.  Imaginations soar and curiosity is piqued when schools offer meaningful, engaged learning – learning that is deeper, more flexible, and with more interconnected curriculum.  Interdisciplinary teaching and learning is a way to do just that. Teachers at Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft, NJ regularly practice this technique when building lessons.

In interdisciplinary teaching and learning, students combine learning from multiple disciplines to come up with new ways to think about issues and solve problems. Writing, reading, and reasoning are combined from all academic disciplines.  Schools must let children tackle problems that don’t fit neatly into one subject instead of taking what is presented at face value.  This then allows students to synthesize multiple perspectives. Naturally, students draw from their own experiences, interests, and natural curiosities.  Much of the power of interdisciplinary learning lies in how it teaches students to think and make connections.

NJ Private School: Pacelli Perspective: Searching for Meaning Using Interdisciplinary Learning (2 of 3)

As students become mature learners, they should be able to evaluate complex information to come up with their own ideas and perspectives – also known as critical thinking.   Interdisciplinary learning supports critical thinking by helping students understand multiple viewpoints, evaluate conflicting perspectives, and build structured knowledge.

The results are very clear. This type of learning allows students to understand how and why things work the way they do, identify the steps necessary to arrive at a solution , and solve complex problems that don’t have clear answers. Comfort with uncertainly and ambiguity is built into the fabric of interdisciplinary learning, where students constantly analyze multiple, sometimes conflicting, perspectives.  Rather than just learning facts, students are exposed to “productive struggle” which ignites a passion to study more and in greater depths.  When schools hold students to a high rigor, the schools send the message to its students that they are capable of and deserve opportunities to master at higher levels. The problems students will be asked to solve in future jobs, communication, and college courses will be interdisciplinary, so let’s prepare them now for this future. 

Oak Hill Academy is a NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades pre-kindergarten through eight. Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to a traditional, challenging, and caring learning environment that encourages comprehensive thought processes and deep understandings; thus promoting the wholesome intellectual, emotional, moral, and physical lifetime growth of our students. If you want to learn more about what makes Oak Hill Academy one of the best private school in NJ, visit us online at www.oakhillacademy.com , or subscribe to our mailing list to be notified when we post more topics.

Newsletter

Share
Article By Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy is a Monmouth County NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades per-kindergarten through eight.

Our Latest News

Charting the Future: Oak Hill Academy’s Bold Vision for 2025–2029

In today’s fast-changing educational landscape, choosing the right school is more important than ever. Families seeking excellence in academics, character development, and future-focused education will find Oak Hill Academy—a standout among private schools in Monmouth County NJ—to be a model of innovation and tradition working hand in hand. The newly released Oak Hill Academy 2024–2029 […]

Read More
Reinventing K-12 Education for the Future in an AI World

Reinventing K-12 Education for the Future in an AI WorldBy Joseph Pacelli, Head of School, Oak Hill Academy As we move into a high-tech world filled with artificial intelligence (AI) and instant knowledge, we must reimagine our educational system to truly prepare our children for the path ahead. The role of teachers can no longer […]

Read More
Have We Lost Kid Reasoning?

Have We Lost Kid Reasoning? In the age of rapid technological advancements and instant information, one can’t help but wonder: Have we lost kid reasoning? Have we overlooked the innate curiosity and imaginative potential of children in favor of standardized tests and rote learning? As we reflect on the changing landscape of education and child […]

Read More
Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy

Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy We are thrilled to announce the arrival of an exciting new resource for our PreK-4 students at Oak Hill Academy—Merge EDU, an innovative STEM educational product taught by Mrs. Emily Lenz. This cutting-edge tool is transforming how our young learners engage with […]

Read More
Get The Latest News From Oak Hill! Join our newsletter now
News & Events

News & Events

Featured News

More News

8th Grader Scores a Second Consecutive PERFECT SCORE at AMC-8 Read More
Oak Hill Thespians rank Superior at the NJ Jr. Thespian Festival Read More
Oak Hill Math Team wins the prestigious CBA Brother Christian Jones Middle School Math Tournament Contest Read More
Oak Hill Academy Swim Team Makes Waves with Historic Season Read More
View More

Upcoming Events

Monday, May 12
Tuesday, May 13
Wednesday, May 14
View All Events