From 2025, the program will be offered to all interdisciplinary courses at UiO, forming a key part of the “interdisciplinary ladder” that scaffolds student, assistant, and teacher engagement in interdisciplinary processes.
Why Facilitation Matters in Interdisciplinary Education
Interdisciplinary education often involves students from diverse academic backgrounds working together to solve complex, real-world problems. While this diversity is a strength, it also presents challenges—differences in terminology, methodology, and epistemology can hinder collaboration and communication.
At UiO, the Learning Assistant (LA) model has been used since 2018 to support active learning in science education. However, interdisciplinary courses require tailored support. Learning assistants in these settings need training not only in pedagogy but also in navigating the unique dynamics of interdisciplinary group work.
Launching the Interdisciplinary Facilitator Program
In autumn 2023, INTED piloted the IFP with three students in the Sustainability Certificate course. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical and practical approaches to sustainability and is open to students across all disciplines. The pilot focused on developing facilitation skills using literature from learning environment theory, the LA model, and interdisciplinary learning research.
The program was designed using constructive alignment (Biggs, 2014), with four key learning goals:
- Define the facilitator’s role in interdisciplinary teaching
- Apply relevant theories and research to practice
- Facilitate supportive learning environments
- Reflect on personal development as a facilitator
Student Reflections from the Pilot
Participants in the pilot shared valuable insights:
“We were not given any guidance from the educators in the course on how to facilitate seminars or what they wanted from it, so we were left to figure things out ourselves. IFP was a necessity for the role to be a good and educational experience.”
— Participant A#1
“The program initiated a deeper communication between us teaching assistants. It allowed us to share experiences and learn from each other as well as reflect more on our own practices, experiences and viewpoints.”
— Participant A#2
One assistant described how the program shifted their approach from task division to collaborative integration, emphasizing shared understanding over efficiency.
Developing a Framework for Facilitation
Based on feedback from the pilot and spring 2024 workshops, INTED developed a structured framework to support learning assistants in their role. The framework comprises four key elements:
1. Learning Environment
Creating a sense of belonging and psychological safety is essential for productive collaboration. Facilitators learn to design environments that support open communication and mutual respect.
2. Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Facilitators are introduced to key concepts and models of interdisciplinarity, helping them guide students in integrating diverse perspectives and establishing a shared vocabulary.
3. Process Guidance
Facilitators learn to support students through the stages of case-, project-, or problem-based learning, using practical tools and reflective exercises to navigate group dynamics.
4. Role Modelling
Learning assistants are encouraged to model epistemic humility, respect for diverse viewpoints, and active listening—essential competencies in interdisciplinary collaboration.
“In a collaborative creative situation, the ability to understand and appreciate the cognitive experience of others will facilitate group cohesion, allowing the benefits of diversity to emerge.”
— Gardiner, 2020
Looking Ahead
The Interdisciplinary Facilitator Program is a cornerstone of INTED’s strategy to enhance interdisciplinary education at UiO. By preparing learning assistants to guide diverse student groups, the program fosters a culture of collaboration, reflection, and innovation.
As we approach the upcoming conference in October, we look forward to sharing more insights, experiences, and future directions for the program. Stay tuned—and join us in shaping the future of interdisciplinary learning.
To join or learn more about the program, write to us at: info@inted.uio.no