S-02: From Insight to Action: Assessing and Designing for Interdisciplinary Thinking and Learning

Interdisciplinary learning is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing complex, real-world problems—yet educational systems struggle to support its development in meaningful and measurable ways. This interactive workshop describes the Student Attitudes Towards Interdisciplinarity Survey (SATIS), a research-based tool designed to assess students’ epistemic beliefs and their ability to transfer knowledge across disciplines. Drawing on pilot studies across the college network, including biology–psychology and other course pairings, participants will explore how SATIS reveals gaps between students’ recognition of interdisciplinary value and their ability to apply it in practice. The workshop goes beyond assessment by guiding participants through key design principles for interdisciplinary instruction, using the context of Energy in the new science program as a model. Using our experience —including the importance of contextual alignment, discipline asymmetries, and longitudinal shifts in epistemological development—attendees will learn how to create course activities and assignments that foster deeper integration across fields. Whether you are already teaching interdisciplinary courses or looking to build new connections, this session offers practical tools and research-based insights to enhance interdisciplinary learning and design.