Transdisciplinary learning is the exploration of a relevant concept, issue or challenge that integrates the perspectives of multiple disciplines in order to connect new knowledge and deeper understanding to real-life experiences.
AISC High School conducted Transdisciplinary Days (TDs) 2.0, in-person, April 5 and 6 with the entire fifty-eight student 9th grade class and nine 10th grade mentors. Teams of six or seven 9th graders, led by a faculty member or pair of 10th-grade mentors, identified an AISC community issue, challenge or idea to address to improve the experience of our community. Using the Launch Cycle, a design-thinking model, students ideated on possible solutions, researched and gathered information from stakeholders and developed prototype solutions. After presenting the prototype to stakeholders, and gathering and responding to feedback, they presented their action-solution.
During the two days, students were guided through the Launch Cycle by AISC High School facilitators including 10th grade student mentors who had participated in TD 1.0 last year, with formative feedback from peers and stakeholders throughout. Subject teachers across the disciplines consulted with student groups as they ideated, researched, proposed and prototyped. Students presented the action-solutions at the conclusion of the two-day cycle to their classmates and stakeholders. Solutions include: Tasty healthy snacks in the iHub, enhancing our Lockdown procedures, covering the Ayyanar Courtyard, improved wastebins, Raptor’s Den enhancements, vending machines, improved library study spaces and updating our daily bulletin and communication methods to students. Students each had a role as they worked collaboratively to present a solution to a community need.
Several of the proposals are already impacting planning and actions on campus. Together, our 9th graders, supported by 10th grade mentors and AISC High School faculty are having a unique impact in our dynamic world
Mike Malone
High School Principal