Impact Education: Interdisciplinary Social Science
Bachelor’s degree students are in the very beginning of their career. While some might have a clear idea of their future career direction, most are still exploring their field of interest and need to discover what suits them well. Taking different courses can be helpful figuring that out, but even better is experiencing in real-life what options there are. Even though the gap between the university and the professional field can feel quite big, challenging students in their first year to overcome that is a great way to start making connections between academic and professional skills. Teachers and students from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) who participated in the ‘Integration Practicum’ course collaborated with clients from outside the university for a valuable exchange.
Applying knowledge from Social Sciences
The Integration Practicum, focused on in- and exclusion and loneliness. The course involves students researching and analysing a current social issue. They are challenged to think about solutions using academic skills and knowledge. In this course students also experience the relevance of what they are learning during their studies. After the course, they can recognise, describe and analyse the problem and apply knowledge from Social Sciences to come up with a solution. In this way, they develop their problem-solving and their skills in working together and communicating.
Students work intensively in groups of four during multiple project days. In the end they write an individual final report where they reflect on the skills they developed during the Integration Practicum. They also present their findings to the client, showing their academic knowledge, analytical thinking and professional skills.
Team spirit and motivation
While usually more advanced students get the chance to work in the professional field during their studies, first year students can also bring their skills into practice during this unique course that is offered at the end of the first semester. The Integration Practicum is meant for students who recently started their bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. How do they experience working for an external client?
Taking part in the Integration Practicum. (Image: Via Berlin)
‘‘It is nice to start applying your knowledge straight away,’’ says Nina Sants. ‘‘After all, that is what your goal is in your career.’’
Vera van Velden adds that it also has a positive influence on your motivation. ‘‘You don’t want to do your final presentation without having something to tell. It was interesting that the course was about social issues that are important to solve,” she says. “The collaboration with other students during this project gave a true feeling of team spirit because you’re working together for such a long and intensive time.’’
Direction for the future
Nina points out that participating in a challenge like this is helpful in discovering what direction you’re interested in. ‘‘Our studies are very broad, combining different social sciences. Doing a project like this helps to find direction.’’
Dennis Huang agrees: ‘‘I think this way of working is a good reflection of what it will be like for us in the future. It was the first time that I formulated goals regarding working with others.’’
Inspiration from a different generation
For students these kinds of courses are a great way to experience the connection to the professional field, but companies are able to gain valuable new insights as well. Assisting teacher Debby Gerritsen says the feedback has been very positive. ‘‘They really do something with the work of the students. A lot of clients say that they enjoy getting inspired from a different generation. There are always new and refreshing ideas from young students.’’
Taking part in the Integration Practicum. (Image: Via Berlin)
A highlight of the course is the final presentations. ‘‘I’m proud to see what my students came up with,’’ Debby says. ‘‘It’s amazing to see what came out of that process. During the final presentations I personally get convinced again of the value of our bachelor’s degree. It makes me have faith in the next generation.’’
Considering participating in a challenge as well? Schedule a call if you are interested in joining. We are happy to share more information and to set up another great challenge.