The Effect of Integrated and Discrete Course Designs in Fostering Interdisciplinary Thinking and Concept Application Among University Students
Naji Zaidan Khalf
Tikrit University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.8.12.16
Keywords: Application of concepts, discrete course, English language, Integrated, Interdisciplinary thinking, University students
Abstract
The research aims to find out how independent and integrated course formats facilitate the principles of the English language as well as interdisciplinary thinking among the university population. In this research, four diversified fields of literature, communication, linguistics, and creative writing encompassing English language are chosen for survey. The sample has included 200 students, with 50 students representing each field. These students are then randomly assigned to either the discrete or integrated course design group. Interdisciplinary thinking skill and application of ideas in the English language are measured. All participants in this experiment took pre- test before and after entered this experiment to know the extent of change that occurred at their scientific levels.
The findings have indicated that interdisciplinary thinking skills among students in the program of literature with integrated course design are significantly higher among those in a program with discrete course design. On integrated English course ideas, the integrated course design group has showed better performance than the separate group in the communication major. This is the same pattern as that found across all sectors. In linguistics, the integrated course design group has outperformed the discrete course design group in demonstrating interdisciplinary thinking ability. Indeed, the integrated course design group could apply ideas in the English language significantly better in creative writing than the discrete course design group. It seems that the integrated course design approach in teaching makes students also more capable of thinking across disciplinary borders and applying ideas in the English language. An interdisciplinary aspect in the curriculum design and teaching methodology will further enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application capabilities of the students in English. This study infers that integration of interdisciplinary elements into the curriculum design and teaching methodology will enhance the problem-solving, real-world application, and critical thinking of the students in English, for different academic disciplines.
The researcher recommends all educational in institutions in Iraq. And other researchers and the countries that study English as foreign language, and application new methods of teaching English language including a topic referred to our research.
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