Utilizing an Interdisciplinary Research Project to Help Develop 21st Century Competencies and Background Knowledge in Undergraduates

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse Contexts in Learning Sciences Research (Table 14)

Abstract

Aiming to contribute to the research base on the impact of interdisciplinary studies initiatives on undergraduate student learning and development, this paper will share preliminary findings from an interdisciplinary studies course where students, working in groups, examined a shared topic of significant interest through the combined lens of multidisciplinary insights toward a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Significant gains were observed on a cloze test of students’ background knowledge of their topic in addition to perceived gains in cognitive abilities and skills associated with interdisciplinarity and most-sought-out 21st century skills. Implications of this work for designing and implementing similar interdisciplinary engagements at the postsecondary level will be discussed.

Author

• Omer Ari, Georgia State University
  Presenting Author