Earn academic credit for hands-on learning

Those looking for a different learning experience as part of their degree program may want to check out the School of Extended Learning’s Experiential and service learning courses. These can now be taken for credit as electives.

‘‘For me," says Amy Barrington, "the service learning courses were an opportunity to apply the concepts I was learning about in my classes to the reality of the work I would like to make my career.’’

Experiential learning is learning by doing. The courses take a student-centred approach that promotes inquiry, analysis, critical reflection and creativity to address real world problems.  Two courses are currently available.

In the introduction course, students explore how organizations work and learn skills to identify issues, collect data, imagine potential solutions and work collaboratively. Students have the opportunity to clarify their learning goals, practice inquiry and critical reflection, and build a strong grounding to prepare for any placement or applied work in organizational settings.

The practicum consists of a 90- or 120-hour placement over one term. Students give their time and skills to a community organization in a supervised and supportive environment. Additional in-class seminar sessions provide opportunities for students to monitor, reflect on and share their progress and learning.

Barrington did her practicum at Action Communiterre in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Of her experience there, she says “professionalism, organizational and real gardening skills, listening and task follow-up, are all areas where I have advanced significantly. This is the kind of learning that encourages skills and real commitment that will only foster academic, personal and professional growth.’’

Interested in learning more about the courses or in registering for either the fall or winter terms? See the School of Extended Learning website.

Related link:
•  School of Extended Learning website