Exploring a dynamic way to highlight the interdisciplinary approach in the german curriculum of the 4e class in cameroon

Abstract

This study aims to explore how to highlight interdisciplinarity in the 4e class German curriculum. It seeks to identify strategies to integrate different disciplines like art, social studies,anthropology, biology, etc. into German teaching in order to make language learning more practical, relevant and meaningful for students. The research questions focus on evaluating the German curriculum, understanding teachers' perspectives on interdisciplinarity, identifying disciplines to combine with German, developing learning activities and resources, as well as challenges and opportunities of an interdisciplinary approach. By applying Philipp Marying's method of qualitative content analysis, the study found that although the German curriculum is of good quality and reflects some interdisciplinary aspects, it could be made more interdisciplinary by integrating more subjects and practical activities. The teacher participants showed a good understanding of interdisciplinarity and are aware of its advantages in enriching the teaching of German. While proposing to combine German with a diversity of subjects, they noted some unavoidable challenges in implementing interdisciplinarity, such as teachers' lack of interdisciplinary skills and the absence of financial and material resources. To highlight interdisciplinarity in the curriculum, the study proposes integrating disciplines into the existing curriculum modules. Relevant disciplines and activities are suggested for the six modules developed in the German Curriculum. We developed 44 interdisciplinary activities with 58 related disciplines. However, support is needed from teachers, school administration and curriculum developers to overcome challenges and ensure successful implementation. This research also makes recommendations for curriculum reform and teacher training to encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary foreign language teaching. Overall, while contributing to the scientific discourse, this study demonstrates the importance and benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to language learning, while proposing concrete strategies for highlighting interdisciplinarity in the German teaching programme in Cameroon. The results could provide useful pointers for improving the effectiveness of foreign language teaching through interdisciplinarity