Hello Cornerstone Students! My name is Marla, and my areas of study are Criminal Justice, Hospitality Management and a minor in Multicultural Anthropology. I currently work at a beach resort in
Though this is your first semester in IDS, I am sure you have had to explain to a few people so far what your degree choice is or what you can do with it. I know when I tell people my areas of study, they do not see how they even relate or how this would benefit me getting a job anywhere. I usually joke around and tell them “At least I’ll be a well-rounded person”. However when I do explain how they relate back to my desired career choice, people tend to understand how these three can actually overlap in the real world. Most of us grew up in the same school structure where all of our subjects like math, science, and English were taught separately. This idea of integrated studies is a relatively new one compared to traditional schooling, and is not quite understood by many still. However, in real life daily activities, we experience things in an integrated way.
Activity:
Please read the following article http://www.edutopia.org/integrated-studies-introduction.
Then write a 150 – 250 word response to any 3 of the following talking points, and respond to at least one other student.
Talking Points:
· How do you apply your interdisciplinarity in daily situations?
· Would you have like to go to High Tech High? Why or Why not?
· What is interdisciplinarity not?
· Who do you do know who has an interdisciplinary profession? And what disciplines are they integrating?
· How are you integrating your disciplines or are you? Do you plan to utilize them separately for your career goals?
· What are some opportunities (personal, professional or academics) that can increase our interdisciplinarity?
Application of interdisciplinarity is not conscious. This practice becomes, from what I believe to be the purpose of this academic approach, innate and UNconscious. For this reason, daily application is difficult to measure. Personally, each and every day can be marked with the interdisciplinarity pen. Whether it is at one moment functionally working on a project while at another moment preparing a marketing package, elements if interdisciplinary action, I find, are all over the place by virtue of necessity. I know many people in the business and professional world who would argue that an “interdisciplinary” approach is the only practical and functional method of operation and while not even recognizing it as an approach or method because it is so engrained in their daily operation. Running a business requires the wearing of many hats. Unless an individual is specifically, for sake of example, the IT person for a corporation, practicing interdisciplinarity is required to sustain existence in our modern world. Opportunities to manage, govern or oversee will vastly increase one’s interdisciplinarity, as stated above, by virtue of necessity. That interdisciplinarity becoming innate will more than likely define that individual’s experience.
ReplyDeleteJason
DeleteI agree with you that interdisciplinarity is not conscious, and that it is an element of everyday life. I think that many people do not see interdisciplinary in their work environment nor realize that they are using it unconsciously. Only through this course have I become aware of it in the daily living arena.
You have made some very good points.
Jason,
DeleteLife is inter-disciplinarian in principle. Unconscious, innate and intuitive. Length of life has brought me to this conclusion or perhaps just the ability to identified it as such. Most of you have your lives ahead and wonderfully have discovered this inter-disciplinarian word view as your future is yet to unfold. Using Broad Brushes with which to color life with infinite possibilities of innovation, creativity, and enlightenment without the separation and isolation. An Interdisciplinary Life is Spherical ~ it is lived in many directions...
You present a very good point by saying that interdisciplinarity is not always a conscious thought process. It is something that can easily be performed by those who have just had experience in multiple disciplines without even considering it. Many people who did not go to college do this by just using the knowledge from different jobs they performed along the way. They often have a variety of things they pick up, and most are completely unrelated. In the end they end up working together seamlessly helping them progress in their job without ever putting two and two together.
DeleteI understand where you are coming from when you describe Interdisciplinary as innate and I agree. Something you should try however, is to pay attention to what you do on a daily basis and note of what is interdisciplinary. Maybe even keep a journal on these instances to see how important it really is to what you do.
DeleteJason,
DeleteYour points are spot on; just like the referenced article alludes to Interdisciplinary behavior and thought, it is a lot more commonplace than we think about. Our daily lives are generally not so simple that we only deal with one situation or one subject at a time, especially when it comes to on-the-job practices at most employers.
Jason
DeleteI agree in that interdisciplinary thinking becomes ingrained in most. At some point, rather it be in college or in our careers, it's vital that we expand our talent in order to feel a sense of worth in whatever it is we're looking to accomplish in our careers. Very well written assertion by the way.
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. Most jobs require "many hats" - I know mine does! You make a great point - interdisciplinary approaches are used on a daily basis unconsciously.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTopic 4: Interdisciplinary in the Real World
ReplyDeleteTalking Point: What is interdisciplinary not?
Post I : 280 words
Recently, a traditional teacher friend, and I were having a conversation about what makes a good interdisciplinary lesson. We each had very different opinions and I was eager to make my friend understand that interdisciplinary “is not a one-way street”. She seemed convinced that if a visual arts teacher somehow incorporated another subject or discipline into their work, this would constitute interdisciplinary teaching. I maintained that the “inter” in interdisciplinary means that two or more teachers from different disciplines plan and shape their lessons together, and that each teacher incorporates themes and learning objectives from both courses.
For example, if a science teacher says to a visual arts teacher, I’m teaching about the parts of a blood cell next week. Would you mind if the kids made diagrams of blood cells in your art class? This does not translate into interdisciplinary teaching. As a matter of fact, it’s insulting to the art teacher because it insinuates that his art curriculum can be put on hold to make diagrams for a science class.
On the other hand, if the same science teacher says, can we compare what we’re teaching over the next few weeks? I would love to collaborate with you and talk about ways our students can better understand the parts of a cell through art. At the same time, maybe I can help with teaching your students about color and light in science and even about abstraction through looking at blood cells. Now we are integrating
Good interdisciplinary collaboration doesn’t get done on the fly and doesn’t come packaged as “What can one discipline do to enrich the other ” Rather “ What profundity would the integration of both these disciplines give rise to...
Laura
DeleteThat was a great articulation of a true interdisciplinary approach. It also raises an interesting point for me. I sometimes think of interdisciplinary practice as a single person working through something. You're identification of the core principle "inter" reminds me again that the genuine collaborative effort of more than one person is critical. Well said.
Laura,
DeleteYou made an excellent example when relating the lesson plans. People do not often think about how their wants will impact others. In your example of the science teacher requesting the visual arts teacher to modify their lesson plan, we can see that sometimes we can forget that the person that the request is being made of likely has their own agenda or plan already laid out, and if we inconvenience or hardship them for what we want, we should be prepared to offer some sort of assistance or consolation in return.
Laura
DeleteYour example is right on point. Collaborating is one thing, but when we can open the doors of interdisciplinarity and really grasp for something "out of this world," we really can understand what it means to be innovative and creative. Succeeding in obtaining that "something" makes the experience getting there a pleasure.
Laura Lynn
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example, and very nicely put....It seems that alot of people have the wrong idea of what interdisciplinary is...or they think it is something it is not...
The more of us out there the more opportunity for things to change and be integrated....
Great post.
Laura Lynn-Nice post! Your example shows you really do have the right understanding of what interdisciplinary is :) A good majority of people out there have no clue! Especially when I tell somebody what my major is and try to explain it they seem so confused. Hopefully as this major becomes more popular people will have a better understanding!
ReplyDelete-Ashley Card
Ashley, I fully agree that she has a great understanding of what interdisciplinary is. I also agree that a majority of the people out there do not have a clue. After all I would mistake it with multi-disciplinary studies in a heart beat unless I was paying attention to what I was saying. As for those who have never taken a course like this, they have never seen the definitions we have, making it easy to not ever grasp there is a difference between the two. It is often hard to explain it to others, but I am glad I have come through this course and am getting a better understanding of it, even if it does take a while to sink in for me at times. haha
DeleteTopic 4: Interdisciplinary in the Real World
ReplyDeleteTalking Point: Who do you do know who has an interdisciplinary profession? And what disciplines are they integrating?
Post II : 348 words
My friend in North Carolina is the academic coordinator, long time teacher and believer of Montessori. Recently, I initiated a discussion on the nature of an inter-disciplinarian profession, As she described her life’s work, it became clear to me that the Montessori curriculum is a perfect example of an interdisciplinary, multi-age approach to learning. Montessori teaching materials are designed to promote habits of concentration, initiative, persistence, and discovery, while the Montessori philosophy and community emphasizes respect for others, peace, and creativity.
The Primary Montessori Classroom has four main areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language and Mathematics. Art, music, science, and cultural studies are integrated into all areas of the classroom.
A wonderful example of integration with in the curriculum is entitled Cosmic Education:
It is the Montessori approach to history, geography, botany, zoology and chemistry includes an integrated study of the Earth, its formation and history, the plant and animal kingdom, geography and earth sciences. Lessons and activities are designed to teach fundamental concepts as the children discover the wonder and scope of the universe and our place in it.
History includes detailed study of time, the timeline of life, the fundamental needs of people and how they are met in various cultures.
Geography includes detailed study of the continents and oceans, earth science and the study of countries, their landforms and landmarks.
Botany includes the five kingdoms of classification for living organisms, plant identification, anatomy and gardening.
Zoology includes an overview of the animal kingdom, exploring animal functions and their role in the earth's biomes.
Chemistry includes an introduction to basic atomic and molecular theory, elements, compounds and mixtures, and states of matter presented in an easy to understand manner.
Practical Life lessons are also made available which include grace and courtesy and life skills that foster independence and self reliance.
Topic 4: Interdisciplinary in the Real World
ReplyDeleteTalking Point: A personal opportunity that has increase my interdisciplinary world view.
Post III :196 words
I have a genetically disposed lung disease for the intent of this posting we will refer to it as COPD. For decades I have suffered a myriad of professionals working in isolation with in their own discipline, often times not even acknowledging or agreeing with each other on treatment or prognosis. I was never able to consistantly control my symptoms until I found a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program that utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to improve your health and well-being. By utilizing a range of professionals, they can best provide an exercise and education program designed especially for you. Each member of this team will do all they can to help you enjoy better health and an improved life. The Interdisciplinary Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team comprises:
Respiratory therapist
Exercise physiologist
Dietitian
Pulmonary Doctor
Otolaryngologists
and the Patient
The Interdisciplinary Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an outpatient program for people with lung disease the goal is to help you better manage your lung condition so that you can lead a more active and enjoyable life. This interdisciplinary approach has changed the quality of my health and life like non-other.
Laura
DeleteAgain great post and nice comparison of Montessori.
I personally did not know that they had established a teaching system that was that specific interdisciplinary and I think that is great. They were ahead of their time in establishing such a teaching format. Both your posts are great examples of interdisciplinary.
Thanks for the super post.
Nathan,
DeleteI did not realize this either, not until this class has brought the term interdisciplinary into my sphere of influence. When I started my education the term for this degree was “Liberal Arts”.
That being said, this revelation of the interdisciplinary - nature of the Montessori method is recent and fascinating. My sentiments as well. They were ahead of their time.
Haha, liberal arts was definitively one of the many things that came to mind when I first "signed up" for interdisciplinary studies. I am willing to admit I stumbled into it without completely knowing what I was getting into. But I am glad I did. It has granted us the opportunity to learn something new, even if it isn't in the traditional sense. You definitively jumped on top of the posts this week and blew them away I think. Good job : ) I very much enjoyed reading them, and I hope you enjoyed writing them as well.
DeleteMike
DeleteI agree, I really look forward to what the newbies as well as the oldies choose to write and how they respond. It makes for interesting reading...again well said.
Laura
DeleteGreat Examples. The second post really puts in perspective how interdisciplinary angles on health really benefit the patient.
High Tech High sounds like an extremely fun place to learn. I wish that it could have been around in my town to attend when I was of high school age. I would have been more engaged in learning my subjects if they were presented in a more applicable way. When I was in middle and high school I had trouble learning the subject of mathematics. If there were examples of how this was relevant in the real world, I probably would have had a much easier time learning and paying attention to what was being taught. I believe that all institutions should adopt this format. Students would actually enjoy going to school. They would learn how the world truly works - with all the pieces in place. Even higher level institutions would benefit from switching to this model. Most classes nowadays are too rigid and structured so that there is no room for other disciplines.
ReplyDelete~Rachel Tobier
It's quite interesting how I am integrating my disciplines in my life. When playing massive multi-player online games, I usually form groups. I organize these groups in a way that would encourage others to have as much fun as possible. This helps me understand how these games work and I can work with this knowledge when I am working on my own game. I use humanities to get everyone involved and combine it with behavioral and social sciences to arrange it in a way that would create optimum enjoyment. Digital Media is also involved because of the video game aspect. In my career I intend to integrate all of these disciplines as well. Game design definitely falls within the realm of Digital Media. Humanities plays a part in making the game enjoyable for many different cultures and age groups. Behavioral and social sciences is used to pitch the idea in an appropriate way and assists the departments work as a cohesive unit.
ReplyDelete~Rachel Tobier
I can definately attest to Game Design as an excellent example for interdisciplinarity. Data gained from behavioral and social sciences is very important in development even before the first digital renderings are made. This market data is used to determine audience demand. Chances are if a new idea is tossed around for a brand new game and the market data shows that type of content or story would be only marginally exciting to small groups of people, they're probably not going to move forward in developing out that game.
DeleteAikage
DeleteI also agree that game design is a great example in interdisciplinarity. It is a great way to showcase your areas and make your game intriguing.
It also does help cross different cultures and age groups.
Great example
Aikage
DeleteYou really hit in on the head with MMO games. They teach us that a group skilled exclusively in melee attacks can't take on a giant dragon alone. They need the range of archers, the spells of magicians, and the cunning of spies to work together to conquer the beast. Dr. Manhattan of "The Watchmen" would be the ultimate interdisciplinarian in fighting dragons.
As we are learning, higher education is a great way to improve on our interdisciplinary experiences. Classes like these teach us how great interdisciplinary is and how it is meaningful in our daily lives and future careers. At my intended graduate school, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), the classes are scheduled in a way which allows you to attend every class you so desire. There is only one class going on at a time which facilitates this. This structure of classes allows you to learn from each concentration (Programming, Art, and Production), creating an interdisciplinary knowledge of video games. Getting acquainted with a significant other's, family member's, or friend's career path can also facilitate our interdisciplinary knowledge. We can learn from their experiences and find topics that can relate to you. A fun activity can be constructed in which each party can find ways that their daily routine can assist the other in their own daily routine.
ReplyDelete~Rachel Tobier
Aikage
DeleteAgain a great way to paint how daily life and rountine can be integrated in to a fun activity that uses or focuses on our own individual interdisciplinarity
· How are you integrating your disciplines or are you? Do you plan to utilize them separately for your career goals?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I do not think I am integrating my disciplines. Although they can be integrated, I prefer to utilize them separately towards my career goals. The reason I have decided to keep them separate is because they are three completely different areas of study I was simply interested in. I never really planned on the integration of the disciplines. I simply focus on all three areas separate, and find it easier to keep them as three separate entities.
Devin K. McGhee
· What are some opportunities (personal, professional or academics) that can increase our interdisciplinarity?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking from personal experience, studying abroad has increased my interdisciplinarity. I also believe internships can do so. Both studying abroad and internships focus on multiple disciplines and making them work together. Professionally, I believe dabbling in multiple business ventures can increase an individuals interdisciplinarity. I learned that from my father.
Devin K. McGhee
· What is interdisciplinarity not?
ReplyDeleteInterdisciplinarity is not taking multiple disciplines and keeping them separated. The entire focus of interdisciplinarity is being able to intergrate the disciplines. On top of integration, you must be able to make the disciplines work together and/or make sense together. Interdisciplinarity consists of focus. It is not just a multitude of disciplines thrown together.
Devin K. McGhee
Devin
DeleteEven though you say you have not chosen to integrate your disciplines, it definitely seems as though you have come across paths where they have been integrated as you pointed out in internships and in your traveling. I don't believe that all disciplines can integrate evenly or make a smooth transition across the board, so in fact if you choose to use them individually that is also to your advantage.
The course allowed you to pick areas of study that you wanted to focus on, and make a career path around and in a way that was a form of integration.
I do agree tht interdisciplinarity is focus not just multiple disciplines thrown together...they must merge and become something new.
great post
Jason, I agree completely that Interdisciplinarity is unconscious in our everyday lives. For example, completing a homework assignment can require many areas of study even if we do not realize it. When explaining my major to people it can be difficult because we are taught to think in one subject at a time but once they understand how my areas overlap they are impressed.
ReplyDeleteLaura, your example is perfect and really shows that you understand the meaning interdisciplinary studies! I wish my teachers would have collaborated when I was growing up. Instead, my classes were very separate from each other. If it was art class we learned just about that specific area, if it was science class we learned just about that specific area. I never learned how they could relate. Now that I am older, I understand that most subjects can be collaborated and should be.
Aikage, I also had the hardest time learning mathematics in middle school. The teacher would write examples on the board and the students were supposed to homework out of a book with no real life examples. I would sit there and wonder when am I ever going to use this in my life? This was not motivating for me because I felt I just had to memorize the problem, regurgitate it for a test, and then then forget the information. If my teachers would have shown me real life examples I might have paid more attention.
Devin, I think internships and traveling can definitely help with interdisciplinary studies. I have not traveled abroad yet so I am very jealous of you! I am dying to go to Italy and hopefully will be visiting soon. Interacting with different cultures is very eye opening. My experience with internships has always been good. Not only do employers love to see that on resumes, you really can learn a lot from them.