TDRI801 – Transdisciplinary Research Theoretical Framework

Module code

TDRI801

Module title

Transdisciplinary Research Theoretical Framework

Prescription

Part A: The student will analyse and critically evaluate the theoretical framework of transdisciplinary research and its techniques and applications. The focus is on developing an understanding of the various ways in which the disciplinary boundaries can be crossed while: 1. Maintaining a robust and transparent theoretical basis 2. Adding value that cannot be obtained by staying within the framework of one particular discipline. They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the three pillars of TDR and how to use TDR to cater for multiple definitions of quality outcomes for a research project. Part B: The student will engage with the theme of a number of research case studies and based on the theoretical knowledge acquired, will decide, with motivation: 1. Given the nature of the theme of study and the context, whether the research project is suited to a transdisciplinary research framework. a. What approaches may be appropriate in order to provide a solution that adds as much practical and contextual value as possible. The student will analyse the context and theme of the study in order to link them to appropriate theoretical approaches so as to provide a theoretically-sound and practically-useful solution. Examples of how to do this will be provided, but the student will be responsible for identifying an appropriate framework(s) to use and implement. b. Be able to clearly articulate the unique value-add of TDR when applied to these projects.

Programmes

RI1601
RI1602

NZQA Level

Level 8

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Based

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 300

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: On the successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the transdisciplinary research framework, its
techniques, and its applications. They will understand the benefits of a transdisciplinary
approach to real-world and solution-based research and will be able to articulate these to
disparate groups

- They will analyse and critically evaluate the transdisciplinary research framework, its
techniques, and its applications.

- They will understand the benefits of a transdisciplinary approach to applied and innovative
solution-based research and will be able to articulate these to disparate groups.

- Apply a transdisciplinary approach to the problem and develop a research plan appropriate
to the context. This will be supported by the operational documentation required for the
project to be undertaken and an academic rationale of the research planning approach
selected.

- Articulate research problems as defined by a client and explore them through a process of
outcome specification and design thinking approaches to conceptualise effective solutions
for the context.

- Demonstrate the capacity to deal with internal contradictions and multiple definitions of
quality outcomes.
Content: Module content will include:
- The transdisciplinary research framework, its techniques, and its applications

- Translating real-world problems into research activities understood and accepted by
stakeholders

- Real-world focus, articulation of various expressions of quality and the development of fit for
purpose solutions

- Outcome specification and design thinking approaches to conceptualise effective solutions
for the context.

- This will be complemented with readings and/or online resources relating to research
methodologies and related theoretical frameworks/approaches.
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Delivery will be tailored for each student depending on their current abilities, expertise, requirements and environment. It will include a self-study element of reading and reporting on transdisciplinary case studies in a field related to their chosen research theme.

Students will have access to industry mentorship and an academic lead supervisor. It is expected that the student and the academic lead supervisor will have regular supervision meetings and interactions totalling 6 hours. The student will also have access to an industry mentor (minimum 3 hours, maximum 6 hours).

The module will be delivered through an integrated online resource centre, technology applications and synchronous and asynchronous activities. Learning activities will be delivered in ways appropriate to the content and/or capability to be investigated and will be situated in authentic learning environments, which lend themselves to mentoring and supervision.

Synchronous and asynchronous activities will include seminars, presentations and workshops and may employ digital technologies such as web/videoconferencing.

Wintec currently uses the Moodle e-learning platform to support synchronous, asynchronous and online modes. It is anticipated the student will have all necessary access to the technologies required for successful completion of this module.

The student will be part of a group of fellow students with monthly discussion forums either at Wintec if geographically feasible or through methods such as video conferencing and social media. In this way students are embedded in a community of practice and get exposure to a variety of transdisciplinary research activities currently active in the Centre for Transdisciplinary Research and Innovation. Both staff and students participate in the community of practice in an ongoing way.
Assessment Criteria: Criteria to Pass this Module:

Portfolio: In this transdisciplinary environment portfolios will be web-based and built upon a collection of individual pieces of work. This work will provide evidence to demonstrate completion of identified tasks, including reflection, selection of processes / procedures of evaluation and the final outcome (report, device, object).

Assessment Rubric: Assessment rubrics will be used to detail a set of criteria and performance descriptors illustrating the performance being measured.
Learning and Teaching Resource: An extended reading list will be supplied by the academic supervisor at commencement of the course. This will be updated annually.