Going beyond the AHA! moment: insight discovery for transdisciplinary research and learning

This paper introduces 'insight discovery' as a crucial competence for transdisciplinary research and learning, essential for tackling complex societal and environmental issues. It argues that insights are not merely sudden 'AHA!' moments but rather the outcome of a learning process influenced by the collective and the environment. The paper proposes a five-aspect Insight Discovery Process (IDP) framework: original mental model, insight trigger, liminal space, insight formulation, and adapted mental model. Based on observations from an educational program, the authors suggest integrating the IDP as a core competency in transdisciplinary curricula by fostering specific practices and safe learning environments.

BinBin J. Pearce, Lisa Deutsch, Patricia Fry, Francesco Femi Marafatto, Jenny Lieu