Interdisciplinary Education: Idealism and Realism

Authors

  • Miriam Stewart
  • Shirley Wong

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Interdisciplinary practice takes place when two or more practitioners in two or more interdependent fields of learning work together to achieve a particular goal (Falck, 1977). There are many advantages to this type of practice for both client and practitioner: increased range of knowledge and skills, holistic care, simplified access to services, shared guilt, enhanced communication, common performance standards, and integrated, comprehensive services (Leininger, 1971; Nagi, 1975; Elliott, 1977; Falck, 1977; Valletutti, and Christoplos, 1979; Wessel, 1981). However, this type of practice must be learned as mutual adaptation to differences in roles, knowledge, goals, and techniques are involved (Beckhard, 1972; Falck, 1977; Attwood, 1978). Often, collaboration is expected from professionals who have not been taught the art of interdisciplinary team membership in their own schools (Leininger, 1971).

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Published

1982-04-13

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Section

Articles