Interdisciplinary Teaching and Integrative Learning Strategies
What are integrative learning and teaching strategies?
Integrative learning and teaching strategies refer to approaches that emphasise the interconnectedness of different areas of knowledge and seek to promote a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of a problem by integrating different perspectives and disciplinary approaches.
Integrative learning strategies emphasise the connections between different areas of knowledge and the relevance of a subject to real-world issues, by providing students with opportunities to connect concepts and ideas across different disciplines, and experiences. This approach to teaching and learning suits subjects that explore contemporary ‘wicked’ problems, which necessitate contributions from multiple disciplines. This can involve using examples and case studies from multiple disciplines to illustrate key concepts, encouraging students to apply knowledge from other subjects to their work, and providing opportunities for students to engage in collaborative projects that require them to integrate different areas of knowledge. Encouraging students to synthesise knowledge from multiple disciplinary lenses influences how problems can be understood, and provides opportunities for innovative solutions to be considered.
Overall, integrative learning and teaching strategies are designed to help students develop a more comprehensive, interconnected understanding of a subject, which can enhance their critical thinking skills, creativity, and ability to solve complex problems.