School classroom (Illustrative image Infobae)
The teaching At the top level it is organized by disciplinesThis means that students specialize in a particular area of knowledge: biology, history or engineering, for example. This approach has some advantages such as depth of knowledge, specialization in the chosen field and the development of specific skills, such as, for example, critical thinking in humanities or problem solving in science.
Now, this specificity leads to a disciplinary isolationto a fragmentation of knowledge, where students often become trapped in a silo of knowledge, which can limit their perspective. This atomization of knowledge can turn some disciplines into obsolete or not reflecting the needs of society.
Therefore, it is necessary to propose a change that encourages an interdisciplinary approach in order to integrate different areas of knowledge and address complex problems from multiple angles by implementing programs that include interdisciplinary courses or collaborative projects between different subjects or faculties.
Therefore, one possibility of transformation could be constantly update the contents in order to foster collaboration with destination companies, industries or institutions to ensure that academic programs respond to current demands.
This view requires more active and participatory teaching methodologies on the part of the student that facilitate more dynamic and practical learning. At the same time, do not neglect the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork and cooperative work.
Now, for this to happen, Teachers must act as facilitators of learningshould not be simple transmitters of information, but mediators between the student and knowledge. This requires a change in mentality and teacher training, oriented not only to mastering the content, but also to the development of pedagogical-didactic skills that encourage critical thinking, creativity and autonomous learning. Train educators For them to use active methodologies, such as project-based learning, the flipped classroom, and collaborative learning, is essential so that they can engage students more effectively.
There are many ways to innovate and improve the higher education system, you just have to provide opportunities. The key is to be flexible and willing to adapt to the changing needs of today’s world, where teachers and management promote new ways of teaching and learning.
Higher education must go beyond specialization. In an increasingly interconnected world, problems and challenges are not disciplinary, but global, and require a comprehensive approach where professionals can address the needs of all citizens. This means that we must foster learning where students from different majors collaborate to address complex issues from diverse perspectives. A collaborative approach not only enriches learning, but also prepares students to work in inter- and transdisciplinary teams, essential in today’s professional world. Therefore, universities and teacher and technical training institutes must promote joint projects, collaborative research and spaces where the exchange of ideas and joint work are privileged.
Quality higher education must go beyond the acquisition of technical knowledge. It is essential that institutions continue to fulfill their formative role in the construction of a critical, responsible and ethical citizenry. Promoting social commitment, solidarity, justice and equity must be a central objective in all disciplines. This not only helps to train better professionals, but also people capable of facing the challenges of a globalized and diverse society that They can understand how to help the Other.
Higher education, like primary and secondary education, must be a tool for social changenot only to adapt students to market demands. This view must be promoted by the entire educational community, where teachers, students and authorities promote their transformative role in society.
How can an interdisciplinary approach in a school classroom enhance student learning and problem-solving skills?
School classroom (Illustrative image Infobae)
Interview with Guests:
Guest 1: Professor of Education at XYZ University
Guest 2: Dean of Faculty of Engineering at XYZ University
Interview Segment 1: Importance of Interdisciplinary Approach in Higher Education
Interviewer: Good morning, thank you for joining us today. I’d like to start by discussing the importance of interdisciplinary approach in higher education. Professor, could you tell us more about how specialization of students in a particular area of knowledge hinders their perspective?
Guest 1: Indeed, interdisciplinary learning is crucial for students today. Specialization can lead to a fragmentation of knowledge, where students often become trapped in a silo of knowledge specific to their discipline. This can limit their ability to see problems from a broader perspective and find innovative solutions. Collaborative projects between different subjects or faculties can help integrate different areas of knowledge and address complex problems from multiple angles.
Interviewer: Dean, how do you think engineering education can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach?
Guest 2: Engineering education, in particular, can greatly benefit from an interdisciplinary approach. Problems we face today are increasingly complex, and require a comprehensive understanding of various fields. By incorporating courses and projects from other disciplines, such as the humanities and social sciences, engineering students can develop skills like critical thinking, communication, and empathy, making them better equipped to anticipate user needs and create more efficient and sustainable solutions.
Interview Segment 2: Role of Teachers in Promoting Interdisciplinarity
Interviewer: Turning to teachers, how can they facilitate interdisciplinary learning?
Guest 1: Teachers play a key role in promoting interdisciplinary learning. They must act as facilitators of learning and not just transmitters of information. This means using active methodologies, such as project-based learning, the flipped classroom, and collaborative learning, to engage students more effectively. Teachers must also be willing to learn and adapt to new ways of teaching and learning.
Guest 2: Absolutely. Teacher training is essential to foster interdis