Relational Transdisciplinarity: Five Reflexive Steps for Embodying Relational Ontologies in Transdisciplinary Learning Contexts

Transdisciplinary learning is achieved through building reciprocal relationships in collaborative processes that hold room for diverse worldviews and ways of knowing and being. Understanding how to nurture relational dynamics in specific research contexts is key to co-producing transdisciplinary knowledge. In this article, we propose five reflexive steps to embody relational ontologies for transdisciplinary learning. Embodying a relational ontology goes beyond building relationships or learning relationally. It means that researchers open up to co-becoming in relation to the transdisciplinary learning context. Developed by a fellow group of international researchers from Malaysia, Botswana, the US, and Germany, we seek to provide guidance for a diversity of people interested in exploring how to enrich transdisciplinary learning processes.