Interdisciplinary eTwinning projects
Interdisciplinary projects give students a powerful opportunity to apply knowledge, principles and values to more than one academic subject simultaneously. Through eTwinning projects students not only gain knowledge related to the particular topic of the project, but also they develop many other skills and competences.
One of our most successful projects was entitled “e-cultural kaleidoscope�. Cross cultural learning, involved investigating, comparing and contrasting one component or issue across a range of cultures. Students were strengthening cultural identity, by activities, events and festivals, which celebrate all aspects of individual cultures, These include music, dance, food, art, literature, poetry and the making of artefacts. Activity: Creating real kaleidoscopes.
The project has involved many school subjects. This includes native languages to discuss ideas of what should be presented on the Twin Space regarding folklore, music, art and food; geography and to research information about students’ own countries and partner countries and to display these in an interesting way. Our project has allowed for the education of intercultural understanding which involves knowledge and awareness about other cultures. Activity: Where do our friends come from?
Through the contacts with peers from different countries participants of the projects had a chance to get familiar with the diversity of many different cultures and develop positive values and attitudes, including the courage and commitment to live by universal values and treating others with respect. They also had a chance to practice English in formal and informal way. Activity: Getting to know each other: chats, videoconferences, games and quizzes.
Activity: Presenting national dances, songs, cuisine, art, culture.
Activity: designing badges – awards fro participants of the project.
Pupils had opportunities to take part in activities related to different kinds of physical activities, such as dance, games, gymnastics, athletics, and outdoor and adventurous activities. The activities were often oraganised such way that at the same time students learned issues related to PE, Music, Art, Drama, Citizenship or Languages. Students were preparing videoclips, posters, presentations promoting healthy lifestyle, sport, common values, etc.
Activity: Creating pyramids of values.
Activity: Creating perfect cities, writing stories.
Art is a part of culture. eTwinning projects led to the study of the artistic culture of each partner country. Beginning from colours and feelings related to colours, students started a trip towards the world of art. They learnt a lot about famous painters coming from the partner countries and they reproduced them using various techniques. They learnt new techniques from partners and they exchanged ideas about the use of colours. They played many collaborative art games with partners. Activities: Express yourself through the colours.
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity, that’s why we decided to develop a project that we entitled “Music box” which offers interesting ways of experiencing and learning. The songs’ lyrics supposed to carry a meaningful message, concerning probles such as egology, human rights, etc. Activity: Writing lyrics and composing music.
Children had opportunities to solve problems, express, interpret, and evaluate the process and the results. Creating songs involved integrating many subjects which not only helped to develop practical skills but also enabled students to sharpen their ability to reason, to think critically, and to explore. Activities: Designing logo, designing and writing postcards.
Cross-curricular studies support the ability to apply knowledge effectively in a variety of contexts and in addition to engage in higher level reasoning skills. Cross-curricular projects increase student's motivation for learning, and they become more actively engaged.
Renata WojtaĹ›