Introduction
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) encourages students to see knowledge as interconnected rather than divided by subject boundaries. This idea comes to life through interdisciplinary learning, where students combine skills and concepts from two or more subject groups to explore real-world problems.
But how is this unique form of learning assessed? In the MYP, interdisciplinary assessments use specific criteria to evaluate how well students can integrate knowledge, analyze connections, and create solutions that span multiple disciplines. This article explains how the process works and how students can succeed in interdisciplinary tasks.
What Is Interdisciplinary Learning in the MYP?
Interdisciplinary learning in the MYP is about connecting different areas of knowledge to better understand complex questions. For example, students might study climate change by combining science (environmental impact) with individuals and societies (economic and political implications).
It helps students to:
- Recognize the connections between disciplines.
- Transfer knowledge and skills to new contexts.
- Develop creative, critical, and reflective thinking.
- Approach global issues from multiple perspectives.
This approach reflects the IB’s mission to prepare students for an interconnected, rapidly changing world.
Why Interdisciplinary Learning Matters
The world’s biggest challenges — like sustainability, public health, and innovation — don’t belong to one subject. By merging ideas from sciences, humanities, and the arts, students gain deeper understanding and problem-solving abilities.
Interdisciplinary learning also builds essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills such as:
- Collaboration and communication
- Critical and creative thinking
- Research and information literacy
- Reflection and self-management
These skills help students connect classroom learning to life beyond school.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Units
Every MYP school must include at least one interdisciplinary unit per year, where two or more subjects collaborate on a shared inquiry.
Examples include:
- Science + Design: Building solar-powered water purifiers.
- Language and Literature + Individuals and Societies: Writing historical fiction based on real events.
- Mathematics + Arts: Exploring geometry through architectural design.
These units emphasize both disciplinary understanding and the integration of ideas between subjects.
How Interdisciplinary Learning Is Assessed
Interdisciplinary learning in the MYP is evaluated using four assessment criteria, each scored on a 0–8 scale.
Criterion A: Disciplinary Grounding
Students demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and content from each participating discipline. They must show they can apply subject knowledge accurately and meaningfully.
Criterion B: Synthesizing
Students bring ideas from the disciplines together to create new understanding. This criterion measures how well they integrate perspectives rather than treating each subject separately.
Criterion C: Communicating
Students communicate their interdisciplinary understanding effectively — through essays, presentations, reports, or creative products — using appropriate formats and terminology.
Criterion D: Reflecting
Students evaluate the effectiveness of their interdisciplinary approach. They consider how combining disciplines led to deeper insight and reflect on challenges faced during the process.
The total score (out of 32) is then converted into the familiar MYP 1–7 grade scale.
What Assessors Look For
Teachers and IB examiners look for evidence that students can:
- Clearly explain how disciplines connect.
- Transfer knowledge from one subject to another.
- Create something new — a product, theory, or interpretation — that couldn’t be achieved through one discipline alone.
- Reflect thoughtfully on their process and learning outcomes.
Strong interdisciplinary projects go beyond parallel work; they demonstrate true synthesis of ideas.
Example of an Interdisciplinary Assessment
Unit Title: “Feeding the Future: The Science and Economics of Food Security”
- Disciplines: Sciences and Individuals and Societies
- Task: Design a sustainable agricultural plan for a developing country.
- Assessment Focus:
- Criterion A: Apply scientific knowledge about ecosystems and agriculture.
- Criterion B: Integrate economic and environmental data to form recommendations.
- Criterion C: Present findings in a multimedia proposal with clear data visualization.
- Criterion D: Reflect on trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection.
This example illustrates how interdisciplinary assessment challenges students to think holistically and critically about real-world issues.
Tips for Success in Interdisciplinary Tasks
1. Understand Each Discipline First
Before connecting subjects, make sure you have a solid understanding of the core concepts in each area. Integration is easier when the foundation is strong.
2. Identify Common Concepts
Find themes that link the disciplines — such as systems, change, or sustainability. These concepts provide a framework for synthesis.
3. Plan Collaboration Effectively
If working in a group, divide roles based on strengths and ensure communication remains constant. Collaboration is key to authentic interdisciplinary work.
4. Reflect Throughout the Process
Keep a reflection journal. Note how your understanding evolves as you merge ideas from different subjects.
5. Present Clearly
Use visuals, models, and structured explanations to make your interdisciplinary reasoning easy to follow.
Common Challenges
- Overemphasis on one subject: Students may focus heavily on one discipline and neglect the other.
- Weak integration: Simply placing two subjects side by side is not true interdisciplinary learning.
- Lack of reflection: Students who don’t evaluate their thinking miss out on Criterion D marks.
Awareness of these challenges helps students and teachers design stronger, more balanced projects.
Conclusion
Interdisciplinary assessment in the MYP reflects the essence of IB learning — connecting ideas, thinking critically, and understanding the world from multiple perspectives. By combining disciplines and reflecting deeply, students move beyond subject boundaries to create innovative, meaningful insights.
Mastering interdisciplinary tasks not only leads to academic success but also equips students with the intellectual flexibility and empathy needed to address the global challenges of the 21st century.
