The transdisciplinary learning program around the topic of global health employs Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) to foster a comprehensive understanding and engagement with global health challenges.
Design of the Program
The program is structured into three phases: Engage, Investigate, and Act, promoting a learning environment that prioritizes safety, the freedom to fail, self-direction, and transdisciplinary collaboration. All participants, including societal partners, are viewed as learners, emphasizing a dual focus on both the learning process and the outcomes. A significant component of the program involves documenting the learning journey in an online portfolio, encouraging continuous reflection.
Learning Objectives
The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for addressing the complexities of global health issues through transdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration. The main learning goals include:
1. Developing a deep understanding of global health problems and creating glocalized interventions.
2. Applying knowledge and skills to foster inter- and transdisciplinary approaches for solving global health challenges.
3. Analyzing global health issues from interdisciplinary perspectives with the aim of contributing to community development.
4. Collaborating effectively across disciplinary boundaries to address societal and community issues.
Successes and Challenges
A key success of the program has been the establishment of productive partnerships with societal stakeholders, including long-standing relationships with partners interested in reciprocal learning. Notably, collaborations with groups like the City of Amsterdam have been particularly fruitful, focusing on making health services more accessible to migrants. Challenges include navigating the complexities of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education and managing the expectations of both students and partners. However, improvements in communication have led to smoother interactions and a higher level of satisfaction among stakeholders.
Scale and Structure
The program is encapsulated within a minor at the bachelor level, spanning one semester and comprising five distinct courses related to global health. These courses integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, leveraging workshops to connect learning directly to the challenges faced. The minor is designed as an elective, attracting international students and those from various disciplines, thus enriching the transdisciplinary learning experience.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the program aims to deepen its impact on social justice through the challenges it undertakes, enhancing student engagement with societal issues. The emphasis on empathy and the desire to make a tangible impact are central to the evolving focus of the program. The goal is to continue fostering meaningful collaborations with community partners, thereby enhancing the learning experience for students and contributing positively to global health challenges.
