Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is the difference between transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary?
A transdisciplinary approach to problem-solving transcends disciplinary boundaries to create novel ideas and solutions. A critical difference between transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches is that transdisciplinary approaches bring together people from academic and non-academic sectors very early and often in the problem-solving process to create and enact questions, frameworks, and methods.
What are the 10 essential workforce skills and how does TEK support the development of these skills?
Our statewide public university consortium, Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), initiated the Kentucky Graduate Profile Academy in response to concerns about workforce preparation expressed by state leaders, policymakers, and legislators. Nearly three in four employers say they have a hard time finding recent college graduates with the essential soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The Graduate Profile Academy, in which UK is a participant, has identified a set of 10 Essential Skills for employability that that each graduate should be able to demonstrate upon completion of their college curriculum:
1. Communication
2. Critical thinking
3. Quantitative reasoning
4. Cultural competence
5. Adaptability
6. Professionalism
7. Civic engagement
8. Collaboration
9. Applied and integrated learning
10. Informed decision making
Transdisciplinary educational approaches engage students in activities that build each of these 10 Essential Skills. TEK focuses on and directly assesses the Essential Skills of critical thinking (multiple perspectives and reflection), communication, and collaboration.
More details about the 10 essential workforce skills can be found on CPE’s website here.
How do I apply to be a TEK faculty fellow?
Call for applications for TEK Faculty Fellows are released for the upcoming academic year in the spring of each year.
Additional details about the TEK Faculty Fellows program, including eligibility, criteria for selection, and compensation, can be found here.
If you think you might be interested in the TEK Faculty Fellows program and have questions, please send an email to uk.tek@uky.edu.
Can I teach a TEK course in load?
TEK Faculty Fellows who prefer teaching a TEK course as part of their regular teaching load may do so if they have the written approval of their department chair and dean.
How do I find a faculty partner?
SCHOLARS@UK is a database of research expertise from colleges, departments, disciplines, and centers & institutes at UK. Maintained through UK Research, SCHOLARS@UK allows you to explore unit research output (publications, creative work), sponsored grants & contracts, and individual scholar profiles. SCHOLARS@UK is a great place to start when identifying a faculty collaborator.
If you need assistance identifying a collaborator for a TEK course, please reach out to uk.tek@uky.edu with details on a possible course topic and discipline partner.