Author- Mamatha G P K
PhD Scholar, M. Tech (Textile Technology), PGD Human Rights Law (NLSIU)
Assistant Professor, Army Institute of Fashion & Design
mamatha.gpk@gmail.com, Mob: 9480216295
In the words of Peter Drucker, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Over the past three decades, the landscape of education and learning has undergone significant changes. Looking back just a decade reveals shifting perspectives in academia and evolving skill requirements in the market. The concept of lifelong learning has gained prominence, driven by the need for sustainable practices and adaptability to a dynamic market environment. In fields like Textile and Fashion, where quality management systems, technological advancements, sustainable alternatives, and changing consumer behavior are driving profound transformations, interdisciplinary education has become imperative.
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the job market, with projections indicating that AI will replace approximately 30 million jobs while creating over 40 million new ones by the end of the current decade. To stay abreast of these changes and align with evolving economic patterns, individuals must embrace multifaceted pedagogies for learning. There is a growing recognition of the need for holistic understanding, learning, and practical application of concepts, often underestimated in the pursuit of proving the superiority of one field over another. Traditional notions of education, where academic areas of interest were chosen early in high school, are giving way to a more inclusive approach that embraces both traditional and modern learning paradigms.
The advantages of transdisciplinary engagement in tertiary education are manifold. By bridging the gap between disciplines, transdisciplinary education fosters relevance and inclusivity in the complex and challenging landscape of the 21st century. This approach promotes exposure and openness among learners, encouraging them to embrace a more expansive vision of pedagogy. Moreover, it contributes to the refinement of epistemological practices and the amplification of frameworks that shape academia into a sustenance model capable of addressing diverse societal needs while remaining socially and morally responsible.
Incorporating multi and transdisciplinary education into the core curriculum, particularly at the tertiary level, is crucial. The traditional versus modern learning debate underscores the importance of adopting student-centric learning systems that incorporate values, ethics, and practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. By integrating various disciplines, educational institutions can reduce the pressure on learners and enhance inclusivity, thereby better-preparing students for the demands of the contemporary job market. Several objectives underscore the need for interdisciplinary learning methodologies in tertiary education. Firstly, the decreasing attention spans in today’s world necessitate experiential and outcome-based learning approaches that make learners industry-ready. Secondly, the ever-demanding skills required in the market, coupled with the rise of AI, emphasize the importance of lifelong learning for survival and advancement in any sector. Thirdly, the evolving career prospects and interdependency of fields highlight the need for a diverse skill set beyond one’s chosen domain. Additionally, dynamic learning approaches, such as flipped classrooms, foster curiosity and idea generation among learners, while research, learning, and innovation require the cultivation of emotional and social intelligence alongside technical expertise. Furthermore, the ease of access to information and the proliferation of social media as learning platforms necessitate a multifaceted education that enables learners to discern credibility and impact.
The role of policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in promoting blended learning is significant. The NEP emphasizes outcome-based learning and holistic education, catering to diverse demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. By mandating the inclusion of core, non-core, and elective subjects from multiple disciplines, the NEP promotes inclusivity and widens the learning horizon, aligning with the objectives of multi and interdisciplinary education.
In fields like Textile and Fashion Technology, transdisciplinary approaches have long been integral. Dating back to 1910, textile technology has branched into various disciplines, including aerospace, agriculture, electronics, and healthcare. The incorporation of quality principles like Kaizen and Lean Management into fashion and textiles exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of the field, fostering innovation and addressing societal needs.
The impact of interdisciplinary learning in Textile and Fashion extends beyond academia to industry and society at large. By exposing learners to diverse disciplines, transdisciplinary education promotes ethical, holistic, and socially responsible practices. Manufacturing processes have become greener and safer, while consumer awareness of issues like fast fashion and textile waste has increased. The responsibility for sustainable practices extends across the entire supply chain, from academia to manufacturers, supply chain stakeholders, and consumers, contributing to the development of scientific temperament, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Looking ahead, the future of education lies in creatively reimagining agendas and methodologies to provide holistic learning experiences. Drawing inspiration from Aristotle’s trio of ethos, pathos, and logos, educators can develop students’ intelligence quotient, emotional quotient, and social quotient, essential for addressing key challenges while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, tackling textile waste requires innovative solutions that leverage technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality in areas such as fashion delivery applications. Moreover, the multi and transdisciplinary capabilities cultivated through collaborative international approaches to academia enable advancements in diverse fields, ensuring that all students, regardless of nationality, have access to knowledge and exposure, thereby boosting morale and confidence.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of education underscores the irreplaceable value of skills and the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. By embracing multi and transdisciplinary approaches, educational institutions can prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, fostering innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
