This exploration took place at the ITD24 conference, Inter- and Transdisciplinarity Beyond Buzzwords: Educational Pathways for Sustainable Research Collaborations. During a dynamic workshop, the group reflected on their experiences in the Criticality in Research/Criticality as Praxis PhD course, shared insights from the "Critical Conversations Toolkit," and invited other attendees to adapt these tools to foster collaborative research approaches.
Introducing the Criticality Course
The 1.5-hour workshop began with an introduction to the Criticality course series. Developed to spark reflection on disciplinary training, the course equips researchers with tools for critical reading, writing, and listening. Kahn provided an overview of the course’s purpose, audience, and theoretical underpinnings, while Diedrich created a live, evolving map of key concepts and lessons on a long roll of paper stretched across the table.
Personal Reflections: Critical Moments in Research
Next, young researchers from various iterations of the course (2018–2023) shared personal stories of transformation. In response to the prompt, “What was the critical moment you experienced in the PhD course, and how has it influenced your work?”, each participant read aloud a statement and placed an object symbolizing that moment onto the shared table map.
This interactive exercise opened the floor to the broader group, inviting attendees to contribute their own reactions, questions, and ideas by adding notes to the evolving epistemic map. The table became a collective artefact, reflecting the diversity of perspectives and experiences in the room.
Key Takeaways: Building Collaborative Skills
During that final conversation round certain themes appeared to resonate, coming up again and again - how much the course contributed to individual and professional development through:
- Embracing Uncertainty: Participants highlighted the value of creating a space for "not-knowing-yet," which fosters openness and curiosity.
- Positionality in Research: Reflecting on one’s own positionality builds confidence and awareness, which are essential for navigating interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary contexts.
- Critical Listening: Active listening emerged as a cornerstone for co-inquiry, helping researchers engage openly with differing values and disciplinary perspectives.
These skills, participants agreed, are crucial for fostering meaningful collaboration across disciplines and values.
A Call for Action
As the workshop concluded, participants reflected on the importance of offering similar courses in diverse educational and research contexts. The tabletop, now filled with notes, objects, and ideas, was photographed and rolled up for future study—capturing the collective effort to advance criticality in research.
This workshop not only showcased the potential of critical conversation skills but also underscored the urgent need to integrate such practices into ID/TD education. By foregrounding reflection, positionality, and open-minded dialogue, the Criticality course exemplifies how we can strengthen research collaborations for sustainable futures.
