An Introduction to Interdisciplinary Approach on Global Issues for Educational Reform

The interdisciplinary approach is the capacity to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking in two or more disciplines to produce cognitive advancement, such as explaining a phenomenon, solving a problem, or creating a product. It is done in ways that would have been impossible or unlikely through single disciplinary means. This chapter will present an overview of the interdisciplinary approach to solving global educational development and reform issues. The chapter will introduce the theoretical framework of interdisciplinary approaches for educational reform. In addition, it aims to present a typology of “interdisciplinary” practices emerging from several educational reform studies. Some worthwhile topics of research fall within the traditional disciplines. Interdisciplinary research helps bridge the education system’s gaps, helping mobilize enormous intellectual resources for the cause of greater social rationality and justice. Worthful research topics can fall in the spaces between traditional disciplines. In addition to the interdisciplinary approach, some educational trends will be discussed, such as the interdisciplinary approach for educational reform; perspectives on education for sustainability, positive education and well-being innovations, and advancing high-quality education.