Transdisciplinary technology education: a characterisation and some ideas for implementation in the university

Abstract

This paper concerns transdisciplinarity as an educational and research strategy in technological higher education. The starting point of the article will be a synthetic analysis of the nature and demands faced by the university in our complex world, and the models of knowledge that could be activated, developed, and operationalised within it. Emerging traits in transdisciplinary processes are presented, as well as some of their impacts and effects on people, communities and the university. Also described are the challenges and difficulties that can arise in the implementation of transdisciplinarity in polytechnic universities and some strategies to face them. Finally the paper ends with a reflection regarding the link between some of humanity's problems faced from a transdisciplinary perspective and some values pointing towards the building of a world of harmony and awareness.

Keywords:

• transdisciplinary higher education
• transdisciplinarity
• technology education
• models of knowledge
• complexity

Notes

1. At the same time both “global” and “local”, hence “glocal”.