Integrative Learning

In AAC&U's new report, College Learning for the New Global Century, it suggests that integrative learning should be considered an "essential learning outcome." http://www.aacu.org/advocacy/leap/documents/GlobalCentury_final.pdf

What is integrative learning? One definition could be: Learning which allows students to focus on finding key points or threads of connection between and through various courses and programs. In Integrative Learning: Mapping the Terrain, Andrea Leskes promotes integrative learning for higher education courses and programs:

“Integrative learning is clearly important for today’s college graduates, who will face complex issues in their professional lives and in the broader society. In fact, it could be argued that in most fields except education—from the workplace to scientific discovery to medicine to world and national affairs—multilayered, unscripted problems routinely require integrative thinking and approaches.”

Integrative learning prepares our students for the future—whatever their future may look like; we know it will be quite different and require new skills. What do you think? Will you add integrative learning to your course outcomes? Your comments are welcome!