why get involved

The opportunity to redesign curriculum to embed real-world learning and authentic assessment activities is a key benefit of interdisciplinary work integrated learning. We found increased engagement with industry and community partners motivates students and enables their progressive skill development. A further benefit for University staff gained from projects of this nature is enhanced collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines.

The benefits for industry include access to new thinking, creative input from students, new processes and technologies and potential identification of future talent. Involvement with projects of this nature enables Industry partners to develop links which may lead to further collaborations in the areas of education and research. Industry partners also have the opportunity to influence the education of the future workface including the enhancement of graduate employability skills (e.g. complex problem solving, project management, self-management, communication and teamwork skills) which have been shown to emerge from interdisciplinary project-based learning.

Working in interdisciplinary teams on real projects enhances student research, critical thinking, communication, project management and problem-solving skills. Students gain increased awareness of the importance of peer to peer collaborative learning when challenged with managing and resolving real work challenges. This results in students gaining a competitive edge through industry engagement and networking with stakeholders and development of real work capabilities.