Planning Projects Across Subjects? Three Shifts to Make Them Work

Feeling stuck planning projects across subjects?

It's more common than you think.

Without the right structures, interdisciplinary projects often feel messy, disconnected, and overwhelming — for both teachers and students. But what if a few small shifts could lead to more engaged students, stronger collaboration across subjects, and less stress for you?

In this episode, I sat down with Ryan Murfield, Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary PRAXIS Program at the International School of Kuala Lumpur, to unpack three simple shifts that make interdisciplinary planning work:

• Focus planning around real-world problems that drive deeper engagement

• Build milestone checkpoints that keep interdisciplinary teams aligned

• Design assessments that capture real learning across subjects—without adding more work

If you're ready to plan across subjects with more clarity, connection, and confidence, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Ryan:

Learn more about the PRAXIS Program:

Get the 12 shifts book for student-centered environments: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher 

Free Interdisciplinary Project Planner

Ryan's Bio: Initially from South Dakota, Ryan Murfield  is the coordinator of the 9th grade interdisciplinary program called (PRAXIS) at the International School of Kuala Lumpur.  Prior he taught in the USA and then in Seoul, South Korea. The favourite part of his role is seeing the amazing work students are able to do when given the opportunity to grapple with complex, real-world, authentic problems.

He was also a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine where he to speak Ukrainian and lived in a small town, teaching English at a local school. He helped organize events promoting leadership and for young people in the region, and also met his wife, Courtney, another Peace Corps volunteer.