Beyond the Silos: Unpacking the Benefits and Challenges of Interdisciplinary Teacher Collaboration in STEAM Projects

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Reimagining Teacher Collaboration and Professional Growth: Advancing Equity and Agency in Mathematics and STEAM Education (Table 9)

Abstract

This study explores teachers’ experiences with interdisciplinary teacher collaboration as a means to support the implementation of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) projects in Grade 7 and 8 classes. Six teachers across the subjects of science, mathematics, art, social studies, and English came together to co-plan, reflect on their teaching, and develop interdisciplinary projects and assessment tools. Teachers reported improvements in their teaching practice, broadened perspectives about teaching methods, and enhanced collegial support as a result of the interdisciplinary collaboration. However, teachers also noted challenges, such as aligning content across subjects, overcoming siloed cultures, and managing diverse perspectives. This study contributes to the limited literature on interdisciplinary teacher collaboration in practices.

Authors

• Sun Jung Choi, McGill University

• Martin Ako, McGill University

• Midhat Noor Kiyani, McGill University

• Cinzia Di Placido, McGill University

• Limin Jao, McGill University

• Dawn Wiseman, Bishop's University