Interdisciplinary means that the learning occurs with knowledge from many different areas of study. For example, a STEM focus on learning occurs when the students learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the same time and understand how all of these fields relate to and intertwine with each other.
A strong example of interdisciplinary learning in college and university is the field of Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical Engineers take classes in Civil Engineering (i.e. Statics), Electrical Engineering (i.e. Systems and Signals Analysis), Sciences (i.e. Biology, Physics and Chemistry), Computer Science (i.e. Computer Coding), Mechanical Engineering (i.e. Mechanics of Solids), Math (i.e. Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations) and a whole range of other fields of study. Biomedical Engineers are among the most well-rounded engineers in the workforce.
Why is Interdisciplinary Learning so important?
Interdisciplinary learning is critical to the success of the student, as they are exposed to a wide range of materials and fields of study. Academic diversity helps them become more well-rounded. It has been shown that “interdisciplinary thinkers [think] analytically and creatively embrace new ideas.” Interdisciplinary learning also encourages students to work with people of various backgrounds who have different philosophies, perspectives, points of view and ideas of their own. This further encourages students to be more creative than they would be without the exposure to many fields of study and a wide variety of people. When students go out into the workforce, interdisciplinary learning helps them to effectively collaborate with others.
The ways that colleges and universities allow students to gain a greater breadth of knowledge is by allowing students to take different electives for more specified courses that they are interested in. Also, many colleges and universities offer Honors Programs in which students are required to take courses outside of their major of study—courses that they normally would not take. This requirement creates a huge breadth of knowledge that the students have and that they can pull from when they enter (or join) the workforce. For example, an Engineering student can take an elective in the Honors program about art history or globalization and becoming a global citizen.
When it comes to the hiring process, if an applicant has a broader range of knowledge and skills than their competitors, the employer is more likely to choose them. This is because they have more experience and a broader perspective. They are more able to think logically and bring two points of view together. They see the interconnectedness of more than one field of study and knowledge. Their ideas pull from all different topics and areas of study.
What is a challenge to Interdisciplinary Learning?
One of the greatest challenges to interdisciplinary learning and education is the lack of time. Time management is incredibly important since there may just not be enough time in a college career to take all the electives that a student wants to take. However, if one takes the time to map out and plan their classes well in advance, it is possible to touch on a great deal of topics and fields of studies as an undergraduate. Coupled with strong study skills, time management, and discipline, there is no limit to what one can learn.
Written by: Chelsea Kowal
