The Impact of Interdisciplinary Project Work on Student Engagement in Mathematics Learning

This study examines the impact of interdisciplinary project work on student engagement in mathematics learning. Students in a multiage first and second grade classroom participated in both interdisciplinary and traditional math work. Data were collected through observation, field notes and student work and were analyzed to determine whether sfudent engagement improved during the interdisciplinary project work. Indicators of engagement were identified, and found to coincide with connection, a social context, active learning and challenge. Interdisciplinary project work was found to be likely to include those elements of engagement. Finally, embedded and standardized assessments indicated a strong correlation between interdisciplinary project work, engagement, and achievement in mathematics learning