Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries: Enhancing Competencies Through Interdisciplinary Learning

<p dir="ltr">Addressing today's multifaceted challenges requires a shift in higher education to equip learners with competencies that transcend disciplinary silos. Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) provides students with opportunities to develop skills in integrating knowledge, techniques, and perspectives from multiple disciplines to explain phenomena, devise solutions, and create products beyond the scope of a single discipline (Boix-Mansilla, 2010; Ivanitskaya et al., 2002). By fostering adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving, IDL serves as a key pedagogical approach in today's higher education landscape. This study examines the impact of IDL on students' competency development through an analysis of self-reported survey data. Conducted with students who participated in IDL experiences, the study assessed their perceived ability to communicate across disciplines, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, and integrate diverse perspectives into their thinking and problem-solving. The structured survey included Likert-scale items and open-ended questions designed to evaluate students' self-reported demonstration of IDL attributes and the challenges encountered during IDL engagement. Preliminary findings indicated an increase in students' ability to integrate different disciplinary perspectives and recognise viewpoints beyond their own discipline to deepen their understanding. Additionally, students reported greater awareness of the challenges inherent in interdisciplinary collaboration, including navigating different working styles, logistical difficulties in coordinating discussions, and the need to unpack technical jargon for effective communication. These findings highlight the need for structured support to facilitate meaningful engagement in interdisciplinary learning. The study underscores the value of IDL in fostering competencies essential for navigating complex, real-world challenges. By exposing students to multiple perspectives, IDL cultivates skills necessary for addressing problems that require a more holistic solution. However, to maximize its effectiveness, instructional strategies must scaffold interdisciplinary engagement, ensuring that students can navigate interdisciplinary dialogue, synthesize information meaningfully, and apply their learning in practical contexts. The findings offer insights into instructional approaches that enhance interdisciplinary engagement, equipping students with the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines and collaborate effectively in diverse teams.</p>