Integrative learning is the process of making connections among concepts and experiences so that information and skills can be applied to novel and complex issues or challenges.

Why Does Integrative Learning Matter?

Over the course of a working career, most people change positions or organizations and some even change careers completely. To succeed in multiple, changing environments, students must develop the intellectual flexibility and adaptability to incorporate varied sources of information into their decision-making and understanding of the world. In national surveys, employers consistently identify the need for college graduates to have both depth of understanding in a major field and a broad range of skills and knowledge to succeed in the workplace of the present and the future.

In addition to employers, national professional organizations and accreditors such as the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities state the importance of integrative learning for student success in college and in their lives beyond college. So whether your future plans focus on immediate employment, graduate school, or simply making through college, integrative learning is an important part of your learning.

Characteristics of Integrated Learning

1. It primarily focuses on problem-solving.

2. t is a compilation of assessment, curriculum development, and faculty development.

3. Integrated learning explores and uses information effectively.

4. It enables children to integrate ideas and experiences and apply them to formulate new learning situations.

5. Creativity, adaptability, critical reasoning, and collaboration are the key features of integrated learning.

The method of learning accommodates a variety of learning styles, theories, and multiple intelligences.

Benefits of integrated learning

1. Enhance your soft skills and advance your theoretical knowledge

Working to learn is learning to work. Work integrated learning will allow you to gain a good grasp of basic work capabilities and a plethora of both soft and technical skills that you wouldn’t necessarily develop without working in a professional setting.

2. It can help you manage your future career aspirations and decisions

One huge benefit of work integrated learning is it can help you decide what future career path you may (or may not) want to pursue after you graduate. Work integrated learning allows you to gain a real sense of appreciation of your area of work, as well as have the opportunity to explore new and exciting roles that you may not have once considered.

3. It can boost your employment prospects

Students who undertake work integrated learning are considered to be more desirable hires, thanks to their prior experience and connection with the industry.

4. You’ll be able to build a flourishing network of contacts

Establishing industry network connections is an essential part of work. From colleagues to clients, you’ll meet a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, and so being able to diversify your social circle will benefit you in more ways than you may initially realize.

5. Increase your awareness of global challenges and industry issues

There’s no better way to learn about the world of work and industry than by jumping right into it.

6. Broaden your perspectives

An invaluable benefit of work integrated learning is you’ll inevitably meet and work with a diverse set of people who all bring their own wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to the workplace. As you liaise and collaborate with your colleagues, you’ll find yourself open to discussion and learn to think differently about particular issues.

7. You can make a positive impact and offer solutions to real-life problems

Students are able to bring solutions to real problems within the business they are working in, so it’s not just the student who benefits.

Intellectual and practical skills are foundational to the growth of a student. A modern-day method that can be applied is integrated learning. Integrated learning means combining what students learn in the classroom, with the solution of real-world problems.