Addressing the complex challenges of today's world requires greater emphasis on the development of scientific activity. Research-based decision-making can serve as an effective solution for advancing various fields. The role of modern universities extends beyond the dissemination of existing knowledge; it also involves generating new knowledge and experience through research. Therefore, it is crucial for universities, as centers of teaching and learning, to support the growth and development of research activities and to incentivize student engagement in scientific research. This approach facilitates the re-evaluation and consolidation of established knowledge, as well as the creation of new knowledge, which can then be integrated into the educational process and broader social, economic, and other processes.

Our experience demonstrates that high-quality, self-directed research enhances the learning process and its outcomes. Accordingly, we actively employ research-based learning and encourage students to conduct independent research, sharing their findings with peers. The interdisciplinary approach is particularly vital to both teaching and research, as it broadens the scope of inquiry and fosters high-quality research. By adopting interdisciplinary methods, students can recognize connections between various fields, ask meaningful questions, and develop essential research skills—such as gathering and evaluating information from diverse sources.

The learning process progresses through several phases:
- Exploration.
- Supposition.
- Implementation.
- Summation.
- Exhibition.

As a result, our courses have demonstrated significant improvements in student academic performance, surpassing that of comparable courses at the same academic level. Official university surveys indicate that students have rated our classes with a high level of satisfaction.

The efficacy of research-based learning and interdisciplinary methodologies within the educational context will be illustrated through a representative example presented here: The Caucasian Great Mother Nana in the Context of Religious Beliefs of Ancient Civilizations. Self-directed research enables students to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the cult of the Great Mother, ancient Caucasian beliefs, and the connections between them.

Keywords: Research-based learning, self-directed research, interdisciplinary methodologies, Great Mother Nana.