Transdisciplinary Learning

Transdisciplinary Learning is the exploration of a relevant concept, issue or challenge that integrates the perspectives of multiple disciplines in order to connect new knowledge and deeper understanding to real life experiences.

I am pleased to share that AISC High School will have our first Transdisciplinary Days (TDs), in-person, in April with the entire 9th grade class. Transdisciplinary learning starts with student experience, observations and interests. Students will identify an AISC community issue, challenge or idea to address to improve the experience of our community.  Using the Launch Cycle, a design-thinking model, students ideate on possible solutions, research and gather information from stakeholders and develop prototype solutions. After presenting the prototype to stakeholders, and gathering and responding to feedback, they present their action-solution.

During the two days, students will be guided through the Launch Cycle by AISC HS facilitators, with formative feedback from peers and stakeholders throughout. Subject teachers across the disciplines will be available to consult with student groups as they ideate, research, propose and prototype.  Students will present the action-solutions at the conclusion of the two day cycle to their classmates and stakeholders.

Students will take on one of the roles below, each associated with an ASIC competency. Students will be supported by facilitators and teachers as they act as:

Role Analyst Facilitator Spokesperson Architect Social Engineer Project Manager

Competency Applied Analytical and Critical Thinking Collaboration Communication Creativity International Mindedness Self-Direction

Our Transdisciplinary Days have been planned since 2019-2020 and have been postponed more than once until students could collaborate together on campus.  We are so pleased that we can anticipate two days for students to observe, dialogue, ideate, collaborate together, on their campus that they hope to improve! In-person, students will do an asset walk together, observing areas on campus they may not be familiar with, or view familiar areas with a different perspective–what are the strengths I see?  What might be issues or ideas for improvement that emerge through this observation and reflection?  How might we take steps to enhance our community - through more access, inclusion, sustainability, e.g.?  At the center of Transdisciplinary Learning is that students’ collaborative answers to these questions drive the thinking, inquiring, learning and producing.

Look for Transdisciplinary Day information in AISC’s social media feeds in April as students prepare for, experience and propose actions to enhance their community.

Need more information? Please contact Mike Malone at mmichael@aischennai.org

Pathway Update: Community & Environmental Responsibility - January 2022

Strategic Pathway: AISC enlists the participation of all stakeholder groups to incorporate environmentally sustainable responsible policies, practices, and programming in alignment with our mission and core values.

This year, the work within the Environmental Responsibility Pathway has been focused on the establishment of the Environmental Responsibility Council. The Council, whose membership includes representatives from all AISC stakeholder groups, has had the opportunity to engage with external activists,  and organize efforts for positive change at AISC. The Environmental Responsibility Council is composed of the following community members:

Ryan McFarland, Student Life Director

Andrew Hoover, Head of School

Balajee Ginjapalle, SEVAI Program Manager

Chandrasekar Dharman, Information Technology Manager

Jodie Sovak, Parent

Chandramouli V, Purchase Manager

Antony Rex, Food Service Manager

Monicka Davi, ASA Program Director

Ilangovan S, Head Facilities and Maintenance

Ayush Mammen, Grade 11 Student

Govind Menon, Grade 5 Student

Keshav Menon, Grade 8 Student

Melchi Michael, Grade 9 Student

This group is charged to facilitate the realization of the following Indicators of Success for 2021-2022.  Here, we share a brief update on this vital work on-going. 

1. Create and establish 2021-2022 portfolio of accomplishments for the Environmental Responsibility Council. This year, the Environmental Responsibility Council has reviewed our past accomplishments as an organization, and gathered metrics in relation to our water, waste, transportation, and energy.
2. In order to build a network of environmentally active and mutually supportive organizations, Identify high impact partnership target areas and organizations within each area that might be compatible partners. This year, the Environmental Responsibility Council has begun to make local connections with organizations and services that can help AISC improve the impact of our efforts to be more responsible.
3. Test at least five partner events that enlist attention and participation of all stakeholder groups. This year, the Environmental Responsibility Council will promote the partner events in the second semester, primarily launching them during Earth Week which is April 18-22
4. Design and socialize an environmental responsibility ACT-UP Structure and Process which establishes and empowers student groups at each section to lead on environmental initiatives at AISC. This year, the Environmental Responsibility Council has deepened a connection with MUN Impact club with middle and high school students and the elementary Roots and Shoots club, empowering members of these clubs to pursue environmental projects of interest.

Please contact Ryan McFarland or Andrew Hoover with any questions.