Diversity presentation on interdisciplinary education

1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Education Shree Prasad Devkota Mphil Candidate ( 2013) Development Study School of Education Kathmandu University

2. Scopes Related Terminology Concept Interdisciplinary approach in Nepalese curriculum Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Learning Significance learning Strengths and Weakness of Interdisciplinary Education

3. Related Terminology A disciplinary or holistic courses attempt to gain comprehensive picture without specific attention to disciplines or professional fields. Multi-disciplinary: a term used to study different disciplines or subject separately to understand phenomena

4. Interdisciplinary Science becoming more interdisciplinary because many problems, challenges facing society are so complex that they cannot be answered by a single discipline. It integrates information, perspectives, concepts or theories from two or more disciplines of specialized knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline ( Johnes , Aug 2012)

5. Interdisciplinary Two or more disciplines are brought together, preferably in such a way that the disciplines interact with one another and have some effect on one another's perspectives ( Rowntree , 1982, p. 135) Integration of multidisciplinary knowledge across a central program ( Ivanistskyaya , Clark, Montgomery and Primeau , 2002) Involvement of several different professional areas ( Ivanistskyaya , Clark, Montgomery and Primeau , 2002)

6. Interdisciplinary It is understanding as the capacity to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking in two or more disciplines or established areas of expertise to produce a cognitive advancement – such as explaining a phenomenon, solving a problem, or creating a product ( Mansilla & Duraising , 2007 Cited in Golding, 2009)

7. Social marketing demands Interdisciplinary Approach Commercial marketing Social anthropology Behavioral psychology Communication theory Education

8. Medical Knowledge Psychological understanding Sociological knowledge Communication Skill Research knowledge Management Skill

9. Interdisciplinary curriculum in the formal education of Nepal

10. Interdisciplinary Curriculum in Development Study, Mphil , KU

11. Association between the Interdisciplinary Subjects (Diversity of Education, Mphil Class, 2012)

12. Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Learning It facilitates the development of structural knowledge : an understanding of higher-order relationships and organizing principles Encourage to perceive the connections between seemingly unrelated domains, thereby facilitating a personalized process of organizing knowledge. Assimilate newly integrated concepts with prior knowledge and experience

13. Interdisciplinary Promotes Significant Learning Foundational Knowledge acquiring information and understanding ideas Application – acquiring an understanding of how and when to use skills Integration – the capacity to connect ideas Human Dimension - recognition of the social and personal implications of issues Learning How-to-Learn – obtaining insights into the process of learning

14. To apply interdisciplinary approach one needed to: Understand several important disciplinary perspectives are relevant to every environmental decision Understand the perspective of each relevant discipline Judge how important each perspective is for the issue at hand Evaluate the evidence or reasons supporting each of the perspectives Balance, weigh-up or accommodate the pressures from the different perspectives in order to reach a reasonable and creative decision or outcome; Make a case for why this decision or outcome is better than alternatives.

15. an example of a subject that takes an interdisciplinary approach Main issue Homosexuality: In particular, the different perspectives and views of homosexuality Disciplines to be integrated Discipline 1: Biology Understand and take a position on the extent to which homosexuality is acquired or innate Discipline 2: Laws, rights and politics Understand and evaluate the current policy, laws and rights about homosexuality and their social effects Discipline 4: Theology Understand and evaluate the reasoning behind the positions taken by various religious groups Discipline 5: Psychology and Sociology Understand the psychological and sociological implications of particular views about homosexuality

16. Strengths of Interdisciplinary Education Collaboration with disciplines Expose with issues and apply holistic approach Develop critical vision and address a problem from multiple perspective Promote group dynamism Expanding understanding and achievement between all discipline Individual become independent and confident Metacognition : Critical and independent thinking Epistemological development

17. Challenges in Interdisciplinary Misunderstanding of disciplines Over-reliance on one theory or perspective Integration confusion, time consuming in curriculum preparation Lack of sufficient time for collaboration work Overlapping roles Territorial and status conflict Inadequate funding Isolate from the core of own field Lacks specific understand knowledge

18. Reference Jones, C. (2010). Interdisciplinary approach-advantages, disadvantages and future benefits of interdisciplinary studies . ESSI, 7 (1). College of Dupage Ivanistskaya , L., Clark, D., Montgomery, G., & Primeau , R. (2002). Interdisciplinary learning: process and outcomes . Innovation Higher Educaiton , 27 (2). Human Sciences Press, Inc. Golding, C. (2009). Integrating the discipline: successful interdisciplinary subjects . Center for the study of higher education. The University of MELBOUNE. Bennett, S. (Feb, 2012). Increasing psychology’s role in interdisciplinary science. 43 (2) Monitor ON PSYCHOLOGY. APA Publication.