Integrative Learning: What is it - and why is it more important than ever?

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) have recently named Integrative Learning as one of the four main goals of Higher Education in the USA. In the UK, a Centre for Integrative Learning received a £4.5 million grant to promote students’ integrative learning. Yet, integrative learning, as a concept, is largely unknown in Ireland.The presentation asks “is a focus on Integrative Learning necessary in the Irish context?” and concludes that it is needed now more than ever.The authors have carried out research in Ireland and the UK over the past 5 years, where a growing number of examples of good practice have been documented. A synthesis of seventy recent projects which promote integrative learning has revealed some key characteristics. Undoubtedly integrative learning took place before the term was ever coined, but by defining the term and making the work visible, teachers’ assumptions and perceptions about student learning have been tested. From this work the effect on student learning is becoming evident. It is interesting to note that teachers themselves report transformations in their own approach to teaching.This presentation will give the background to the development of the concept, and give examples of practice under the headings of· Curriculum design· Pedagogy· Assessment· Staff developmentConclusions drawn from a joint symposium on Integrative Learning, held in the University of Nottingham in March 2010, will be presented.