Integrating Transdisciplinarity in Undergraduate Education

Abstract

This study is aimed at a wide audience of students in capstone design classes that cut across multiple fields. In keeping with the dynamic nature of complex problem solving, modern teaching curricula must be designed in ways that help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in both core subjects and new technology-driven content. This paper presents a new methodology in engineering education that is focused on teaching students transdisciplinary skills thereby allowing them to become creative and innovative engineers. This paper also presents an alternative to conventional textbooks in the form of a free, internet-textbook (iTextBook) comprising transdisciplinary learning modules that cut across multiple disciplines. Main objectives of this paper are: to reduce the educational cost burden on students, parents, states, and governments, thus helping society; and to teach students innovation skills, educating them broadly and preparing them for an increasingly transdisciplinary, collaborative, and global job market.