Why a transdisciplinary approach is key MLT aligns well with another relevant dimension of contemporary education: trans-disciplinarity. As it is trained in a wide range of disciplines, MLT encourages students to explore the intersections between various fields and cross disciplinary boundaries. This is all the more important in today’s educational landscape, where the ability to combine knowledge from multiple domains is increasingly valued. The role of AI in promoting trans-disciplinarity deserves special consideration. As AI integrates vast amounts of information from various disciplines, it can help identify patterns and relationships that might not be apparent relying on ordinary educational methods. For instance, a student of environmental science might use MLT to explore related concepts in economics, sociology and political science, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of how these fields intersect and influence one another. Thanks to this capability, MLT can offer a more holistic and adaptive learning experience, in line with the needs of contemporary education. MLT’s transdisciplinary approach favours the development of higher-order thinking skills. By engaging with content from numerous disciplines, students can enhance critical thinking, creativity and the ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated areas of knowledge. While working on a project on sustainable urban development, for example, students might delve into topics related to architecture, urban planning, environmental science and public policy. MLT challenges learners to harmonise different perspectives into a cohesive plan. Championing the AI-driven knowledge revolution A transdisciplinary approach, facilitated by technologies such as AI, can revolutionise how we think about learning and knowledge. Ordinary educational models often compartmentalise subjects, creating knowledge silos that limit students’ ability to see the bigger picture. A transdisciplinary approach breaks down these barriers, shaping dynamic, interconnected systems that reflect the complexity and diversity of the world around us.
and Linda Elder, critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of effectively conceptualising, applying, analysing, synthesising and evaluating information. MLT enables just this, assisting students in processing information, summarising different viewpoints and evaluating arguments through a critical lens. Eventually, the iterative process of questioning and reflection helps them to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. MLT empowers students to further improve their critical thinking by capitalising on elements of inquiry-based and problem-based learning, ie educational strategies that place special emphasis on student‑led discovery and real-world problem solving. This means MLT can generate scenarios in which students are asked to navigate a range of situations, thereby supporting the growth of essential cognitive skills. In addition to enhancing individual learning, MLT promotes collaborative learning experiences. By reproducing group discussions or debates, it trains students to articulate their ideas and respond to others’ viewpoints. This collaborative aspect of dialogic learning is crucial to honing communication and social skills, key ingredients of success in both academic and professional settings. All of this is to say that MLT is much more than a system for transferring knowledge. Indeed, it is an instrument that helps teachers to deliver an engaging learning experience while assisting students in cultivating critical thinking and other skills of paramount importance to thrive in an increasingly complex and challenging world. It is worth highlighting that the adoption of AI-driven tools such as MLT represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between traditional and modern educational practices. While the essence of Freire’s dialogic pedagogy remains rooted in human interaction, technology can enhance and expand its reach. MLT is a clear example of how AI can be used to augment standard teaching methods and shape a highly dynamic learning environment.
24 | Ambition | OCTOBER 2024
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