William Cope
Wei Liu
Pinakini Shah
Greg Jack
Leah Goldberg
Nell C Rundle
Bahar AnahmiasNew Learning MOOC’s Updates
Learning Dynamics in a Curriculum Integrating Mimesis, Synthesis, and Reflexivity
An interdisciplinary group project is an excellent example of a curriculum combining mimesis, synthesis, and reflexivity, promoting both technical and critical skills for real-world problem-solving.
Mimesis: Students begin by observing and imitating successful examples or instructor-provided models to build foundational skills.
Example: Analyzing existing apps to design their own prototypes.
Synthesis: Learners integrate knowledge from different fields to address complex challenges.
Example: Combining environmental science, economics, and marketing to create an ecological awareness campaign.
Reflexivity: Students reflect on their learning process through journals or discussions, evaluating their strategies and outcomes.
Example: Writing reflections to assess collaboration and identify areas for growth.
Aligned with Vygotsky's and Dewey’s theories, this approach is also supported by UNESCO’s 2020 report, emphasizing interdisciplinary and reflective skills to tackle global challenges.
By integrating these elements, this pedagogy equips learners with the adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking needed for a complex, interconnected world.
References:
UNESCO (2020), Education for Sustainable Development.
Vygotsky, L.S. (1978), Mind in Society.
Dewey, J. (1938), Experience and Education.
Your explanation of an interdisciplinary group project as a combination of mimesis, synthesis, and reflexivity is insightful and aligns well with contemporary educational theories. This structured approach not only builds technical expertise but also fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are essential in today’s interconnected world.
I particularly appreciate how synthesis integrates multiple disciplines to address real-world challenges. This mirrors the complexity of professional environments where knowledge from different fields must be combined to create innovative solutions. Reflexivity is also crucial, as self-assessment and critical reflection help students refine their learning strategies and collaboration skills.
However, one challenge might be ensuring that students engage deeply with each stage rather than treating them as isolated tasks. How do you think educators can best scaffold these processes to maintain meaningful engagement throughout the project?