Abstract
Many disciplines/professions are recognizing the benefits of educating students through an interdisciplinary lens. Some fields, like medicine, have had interprofessional requirements for many years, while others are now beginning to explore the benefits of interdisciplinary training. Furthermore, some professional associations are requiring interprofessional experiences as necessary components for student training. Within Iona College, there are several innovative, pedagogical models bringing psychology, business, the natural sciences, humanities, education, and several other disciplines together to enhance student learning. Curricular strategies include the use of co-taught courses, development of modular units that can be infused into existing curriculum, and use of collaborative, project-based assignments. Skill development is accomplished through interdisciplinary experiential activities and fieldwork that emphasize interprofessional communication, exploration of shared best practices, and team work. Iona’s interdisciplinary programs prepare students for real-world challenges by having them learn and work together across disciplines. Specific programs such as the curriculum bringing business finance and psychology together will be highlighted. Collaborative training of psychology and education students will also be explored. Finally, development of new interdisciplinary majors/minors will be discussed. Barriers to such initiatives will be outlined with possible solutions offered.
Presenters
Patricia OswaldProfessor, Psychology, Iona College, New York, United States Katherine Zaromatidis
Director of Graduate Programs, School of Arts and Science, Iona College, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Interprofessional Education, Instructional Practices, Professional Training
