Transdisciplinary Research in Science

Objective:

 

To share your discipline with others by teaching them one of its methods. This exercise is best done in the field, where you can get hands-on experience.

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Instructions:

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1. Choose a leader from each discipline (or sub-discipline) that is represented in your larger group or research team.

2. Each discipline will select a method or task that they can demonstrate and teach to the other groups.

3. Assemble materials and select a location(s) where all groups can teach their method to everyone else. For example, go to a field station where you can measure water flow, interview researchers who work there and conduct a bird count.

4. Set up stations where each discipline can teach their method.

5. Go into the field and teach!

   • For larger groups larger than 10 people: Divide all team members into mixed-disciplinary groups (i.e. some natural, social and engineering scientists).

   • For smaller groups of fewer than 10 people: Everyone can stay in the same group and learn each method together.

6. Each group should rotate through all of the disciplinary stations (or stay together and go to each one together, for smaller groups), learning the methods of their peer’s discipline.

7. Wrap up: Ask and respond to questions. Talk about how the disciplinary methods can enhance each other. How can they be integrated?