Home / About STRIPES / Participating Modules / Case 2
All disciplines
50 students cap
Authentic group challenge
Society linked
Case 2
Module 11: Science to Society I
This 3rd year minor module attracts students from all programmes within the university, the cohort is diverse, ranging from chemical engineers to designers and psychology students. The module aims to engage students from multiple disciplines to collaborate and address real-world challenges in diverse fields of Energy, Health, Learning and Robotics that all require an interdisciplinary approach. Multiple external stakeholders offer a variety of challenges that empower students select their own project according to interest. This open and ill structured approach aims to grant students the independence to make decisions on planning, design and production of their prototype solution with coaching from tutors and pertinent design and project management skills sessions to facilitate the learning journey.
Module 11: Minor 1 Science to Society underwent two interative interventions from the specialists within the STRIPES project, from September 2020 to November 2021. The first phase as a topic of a Master’s thesis, investigated the value of interdisciplinary challenge-based learning as well as the attitudes of the staff and students towards the process. Furthermore, the competency outcomes were investigated. Thereafter, a trail to enhance team collaboration via peer feedback and team skills supplements were applied.
What we learned
First iteration: Including explicit process level ILOs will enhance constructive alignment to attain the desired competency outcomes.
First iteration: Scaffolding of soft skills could enhance team process as well as implementing more progress checkpoints to ensure deadlines are defined.
Second iteration: Peer review on task was generally appreciated, however students were still reluctant to be openly critical of their peers.
Second iteration: Micro-skills lectures were trailed, not all students attained the desired outcomes of enhanced communication or conflict resolution – indicating further support is needed.
More Information
Related Publications
N. Uthrapathi Shakila, K. Nizamis and C. L. Poortman (2021) (Master’s Thesis)
Interdisciplinary challenge-based learning : a descriptive study
