Why Teach with an Interdisciplinary Approach?

Using Opportunities for Deep Learning

High School English teacher, Jeffrey Fisher, chose Macbeth as the English Literature summer reading, knowing that the theater department had selected it for their Fall production.  Within the literature courses, students analyzed the play in multiple ways, delving into the text and viewing films such as the Patrick Stewart version of the play (a 2010 film broadcast on BBC) and Throne of Blood (the 1957 Kurosawa film set in feudal Japan). Students vocally appreciated both the extent and the breadth of study allowed by the English curriculum. And those who either opted to act in or had the opportunity to watch the theater production found an even deeper appreciation for the themes of power, masculinity and kingship.
Theater director, Laura Hicks, worked closely with both Jeff Fisher and Julie O’Sullivan, High School Humanities teacher, to put together the fabulous production. Jeff also played the king, Duncan, in Macbeth, giving him the opportunity to work directly with students. He queried his students about their experience of viewing the play after reading the text, he noted, “the production led them to think differently about the nature of the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, particularly the extent to which they felt it was all Lady Macbeth driving the murder of Duncan.” This and other ‘aha moments‘ can be attributed to the multiple ways in which these students experienced Shakespeare this semester. Deep, long-term and interdisciplinary work is crucial to learning.

The high school production of Macbeth won well deserved praise for high level acting. A critical factor in the production’s success was the interdisciplinary work that began last summer and continued throughout this semester. Huge congratulations goes out to the cast and to staff members who supported the production. Well done!