Interdisciplinary Computer Science courses – between opportunities and challenges!

Abstract

In Europe, disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary approaches of Computer Science subjects are applied on the secondary level. To enhance the Computer Science competences of secondary students the interdisciplinary profile subject called “Informatik, Mathematik, Physik (IMP)” (in short IMP) was introduced in secondary schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. To date, there is no evidence to support the implementation of the interdisciplinary profile subject. An expert survey was conducted via interviews with N = 21 IMP teachers. The teachers were asked about their motivation, profession orientated qualification profile, their integrated approach in the classroom as well as the opportunities and challenges of the interdisciplinary subject. The explorative results show that the subject IMP is taught from a subject isolated approach to an integrated interdisciplinary approach. Interdisciplinary implementation is seen as an opportunity. Lack of coordination among teachers leads to disciplinarity. Gender inequity, equipment deficiencies, and full schedule are challenges. Results indicate limited success of interdisciplinary implementation.