Singapore University of Social Sciences

Problematising Learning, Innovation & Change Across Boundaries

Problematising Learning, Innovation & Change Across Boundaries (BXL601)

Synopsis

Cross boundary work seeks to address complex problems working across the boundaries of a profession and an organisation. Such work is rich in learning and opportunities for driving innovation. This kind of work fosters professionals’ need to be able to label their own expertise; recognise, draw on and contribute to expertise beyond their own profession, demonstrating a strong sense of their own professional identity whose actions can make a difference in the world. In this course, learners will take a hard look at common and personally held assumptions about innovation and change and what it means for learning. They will be introduced to socio-cultural perspectives such as relational agency, cultural historical activity theory and socio-material theoretical stances that pose deeper, wider questions about learning, innovation and change. Theoretical framing of an ecosystem approach will be employed to interpret the complex relations and interactions in the ecosystems they are a part of. Through using inquiry processes they will become knowledgeable about the strategic role and the workings of selected ecosystems relevant to their organisation, and examine instances of learning in cross boundary work that builds expertise and/or limits transformation of practice.

Level: 6
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER

Topics

  • Boundaries: theorising and applications of this concept
  • Professional, organisational and ecosystem boundaries
  • Concept of ‘crossing’ boundaries
  • Contexts, change and ecosystems
  • Ecosystems – what are they, what role do they play in learning and innovation?
  • Common assumptions about learning and innovation
  • The major learning theories and common assumptions about learning and learners
  • Examining assumptions
  • Cultural historical activity theory, relational agency and socio-materiality
  • Making sense of these new theories and what they mean to practitioners
  • Mapping an ecosystem(s)
  • Examine how ecosystems mediate learning and innovation

Learning Outcome

  • Analyse what it means to be involved in cross boundary work
  • Deconstruct commonly held assumptions about learning and innovation
  • Justify their own stance on learning and innovation in cross boundary work
  • Formulate learning and innovation activities in cross boundary work
  • Predict issues and potential problems within learning and innovation ecosystems
  • Design a learning and innovation ecosystem
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