The Importance of Being 'Pulled up Short': Can a Transdisciplinary Approach Help Deliver?

Whilst the starting point is the impact of the pandemic the overall aim of the paper is to advance the case for the introduction of a transdisciplinary approach to learning. The justification for adopting this radical method is to deliver specific graduate outcomes in line with the 10 job skills for 2025 identified by the World Economic Forum. More specifically to promote creative and critical thinking amongst undergraduates. If the integration of skills is viewed as a key component of higher education the question is how they can be best delivered. A key point is to develop student self awareness of the limitations to their learning to introduce critical reflection. The possibility of students being 'pulled up short' and experiencing self-realisation is examined and how this may contribute to the advancement of their studies and the delivery of specific skills. Finally, the paper considers the idea of transdisciplinary teaching and learning and differentiates transdisciplinary ideas from other forms of crossing disciplinary boundaries. It explores the stated advantages, in terms of skills development, for adopting this type of approach noting the challenges it involves for both educators and students. It concludes that although there exist realistic challenges to transdisciplinary learning it is a strategy that promises significant outcomes. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]