One way for teachers to make connections across the curriculum is to cooperate with a team and center units around themes. According to eMINTS, an organization that provides professional development for teachers, units should focus on a real world problem, issue or topic. Teachers should select an idea or thesis as the focus for the unit and decide on an end goal. They should then identify which subject areas have a connection to the topic and plan focus questions, related activities and assessments
On a small scale, a social studies unit on Native American culture could allow for the study of traditional Native American literature, where students spend time reading Native American legends and stories. On a larger scale, teachers might choose the topic of rain forests for their theme and the issue of deforestation as the central problem. In social studies, students could study the social and economic impact of clearing trees, in science, the ecological problems caused by deforestation and in English class, compose essays about opposing viewpoints.
eMINTS states that this method uses real-world connections to subject matter, which results in a more in-depth understanding of the content, less memorization, increased retention and higher student achievement. It also helps students develop higher-order thinking skills and hone their problem-solving skills. The College Board claims that this method is a confidence-builder for students because by applying what they already know, they are able to solve more difficult problems.
According to The College Board, the interdisciplinary method has benefits for teachers, too. Since students are being exposed to common goals in each class, the organization says, teaching becomes more efficient. Making connections across the curriculum can renew a teacher's passion for his subject matter. Through collaboration in the planning process, there are opportunities to educate colleagues about their content area and to learn new information from others.