Course-5 Understanding Disciplines and School Subjects pmd

Role of the Heads of Institutions in promoting interdisciplinary and
multidisciplinary learning:
•
Heads of institutions must ensure that there is a varied choice of subjects made
available to the students. This will facilitate interdisciplinary bent of mind. At
the school level, generally subjects are predetermined by the board to which
the institution is affiliated. In higher education, there is greater likelihood of
offering variety of subjects.
•
Individual departments of different disciplines must be strengthened. This can
be done by subscribing to various journals, encouraging the faculty to be part
of academic groups. A strong foundation in one’s own discipline will help to
make better contribution towards interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary
endeavours.
•
While selecting the faculty, heads of institutions should ensure that while they
have in depth knowledge and understanding of their own disciplines, it is vital
that they possess an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary attitude. A fairly
good understanding of other disciplines is always an advantage.
•
Training sessions may be conducted to assist teachers plan for interdisciplinary
and multidisciplinary learning experiences. Interdisciplinary units should be
shared with all faculty so that they can have the opportunity to contribute their
knowledge and skills.
•
Provide flexibility in timetable so that teachers can co ordinate together to
organize for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning experiences.
•
Information Technology plays an important role in promoting for
interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning. The website of the institution
can provide useful links to encourage such learning. Collaborative documents
can be prepared, resources can be shared, discussion can be carried using online
forums thus promoting for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning.
•
The institution can document good practices in interdisciplinary and
multidisciplinary approaches so that the students and teachers learn from these
experiences.
•
Involvement of stake holders as industry personnel and prospective employers
in planning and transacting interdisciplinary learning activities will help learners
get the views of those involved in real world applications of knowledge learned.
•
Healthy campus culture with equal respect accorded to all disciplines and an
ethos of sharing and collaborating contribute to effective interdisciplinary
learning.
91

---