Cross-curricular competencies are the set of intellectual, personal, and social skills that all students need to develop in order to engage in deeper learning.
These competencies are fundamental skills that extend beyond individual school subjects, connecting knowledge and understanding across different areas of study. They are essential for helping students apply what they learn in varied contexts and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Understanding Deeper Learning
According to the definition, cross-curricular competencies are crucial for enabling deeper learning. This type of learning encourages students to:
- Look at things from different perspectives.
- See the relationships between their learning in different subjects.
This goes beyond simply memorizing facts within one discipline; it involves understanding how concepts connect and applying skills flexibly.
Key Components
Based on the provided reference, cross-curricular competencies encompass different types of skills:
| Skill Type | Contribution to Deeper Learning |
|---|---|
| Intellectual | Cognitive abilities needed for understanding, analyzing, and synthesizing information from various sources. |
| Personal | Traits and attributes related to self-management, resilience, and adaptability. |
| Social | Abilities to interact effectively with others, collaborate, and communicate ideas clearly. |
Developing these skills helps students make connections between seemingly disparate subjects, fostering a more integrated and robust knowledge base. For instance, applying mathematical problem-solving skills in a science experiment or using critical thinking learned in history to analyze current events demonstrates cross-curricular competency and deeper learning.
Why Are They Important?
The emphasis on cross-curricular competencies highlights a shift towards educational goals that prepare students not just with subject-specific knowledge, but with versatile skills necessary for navigating complex situations and future challenges, both academically and in life. By encouraging students to see relationships between subjects, these competencies break down traditional silos and promote a holistic approach to education.
