Georges Laforest

1 December 1993

La transversalité dans l'enseignement [100 kb, PDF]

Abstract

This lecture considers the compartmentalization of subjects in school curriculums and its consequences.

Georges Laforest explains the importance of establishing links between knowledge gained in the classroom and the real world so that students are able to use what they learn at school to understand the real world and act accordingly. He underlines the need to bring into teaching, not only a vertical transversality (different levels in the same discipline), but also a horizontal one (different disciplines at the same level), and demonstrates that this can be introduced by using transversal themes such as the environment. He stresses that this transversality does not demand that we abandon the separation of disciplines and does not threaten their integrity. It requires closer collaboration between teachers as well as consistency and unity in teaching.

In the final part of this lecture, Georges Laforest suggests that it is not enough simply to include this transversality in school curriculums—adapted educational methods must also be used. He stresses the importance of showing students that the knowledge passed to them is not abstract or useless, but that it allows them to assume their responsibilities and act on them. According to him, teachers must play this role.

He concludes by saying that this role, formerly fulfilled by the family structure, must today be played by the school but that it is only possible if we put an end to the compartmentalization of subjects.

Georges Laforest has worked with the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an examiner for theory of knowledge and philosophy in the IB Diploma Programme for nearly 25 years. He has also pursued an outstanding career with the ministry for state education in France.

A qualified philosophy teacher, he became a regional school authority inspector in 1976 and a national inspector for state education in 1985. From 1984 to 1986, he was also a technical adviser for the minister for state education (at that time, Jean-Pierre Chevènement).

In 1989, he was promoted to head of the national inspection service. He held this post until 1995, working at the heart of this national institution whose aims include evaluation of the education system as a whole. One of his major concerns from the moment he took up this post was ending the compartmentalization of subjects (while maintaining their integrity) so that they relate better to the perspectives and problems of the real world.

Other posts he has held include: president of the national institute of higher education from 1995 to 2001, president of the association of the friends of the national museum of education from 1996 to 2000 and president of the association of national inspectors in state education from 1997 to 2001.

He has received the following French honours: Officier de l'ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Officier de l'ordre national du Mérite, Commandeur des Palmes académiques and Officier des Arts et des Lettres.