Benefits of Cross Curricular Instruction

There are many benefits to cross curricular instruction refers to the methodology adopted in imparting of knowledge using an integration of content and skills simultaneously from several disciplines to teach one particular academic discipline. This is a highly motivational style of teaching since the students experience certain cohesiveness among learning of different school subjects taught in the scholastic session. Students view a definite relationship among the diverse disciplines and not as fragments of a whole. When students are tutored using this approach, they can use it as building blocks to add to their knowledge base, consolidating the connection between it and what they are in the process of learning. This inter-collaborative teaching establishes a level of thinking that is far superior and much needed for greater success in life.

Cross curricular instruction is a high-strung way of teaching, which calls for teachers to have special skills and imagination. The trick is to bring the various branches of learning under one umbrella, yet keeping the pupils from feeling lost or uncomfortable. Increased thrust is given to the field of learning while taking maximum advantage of diverse viewpoints. With the elimination of elements of isolated, water-tight teaching, students actually begin to enjoy and come up with fresh ideas themselves. The curriculum is thus enriched. There are a number of benefits of cross curricular instruction, and they include the following:

· Since inter-disciplinary teaching consists of a conscious attempt to invoke the knowledge, values and principles of more than one academic subject, it reinforces them all. Students gain greater depth of understanding of all that are encompassed within each of such session. Their horizons are widened, while their educational base becomes broader and stronger.

· Breaking down the dividing barrier, students begin to "play while they learn", treating the entire learning process as one large experience and not broken up into isolated periods of fixed time span. They can spend longer hours at whatever they are being drilled or experimenting with, without feeling mentally exhausted.

· Cognitive learning dons a different nature as students interact, collaborate, co-operate in small groups making erstwhile learning seem quite outdated. This cross curricular instruction practice lends increased viability, authenticity, contextualization and relevance to what students imbibe.

· Another one of the benefits of cross curricular instruction is that students are offered a vaster scope to select topics they want to learn in accordance with their capabilities, needs and interest. This aspect is a catalyst for learners who put in greater efforts to achieve better at school.

· It becomes simpler to take students where they ought to be through gentle guidance. They can use what they already know to learn what they must learn. The unified system of transference of knowledge leaves an indelible mark on their minds. Students are able to amalgamate the theory and practical knowledge.

· The problem solving approach leaves the periodic testing in the hands of the teachers and students. Thus students become even more alert and responsible.

· The teachers too tend to become more cooperative, just as the students do.

The adaptable and flexible system of coaching is specially suited to social studies where the various branches of study are closely interlinked.