Advancing Work-Integrated Learning: Insights from the Work-Learn Institute

Location: Online, MS Teams

Facilitators: Tina Hobbins and Islam Jaber

Work-Learn (WxL) is the only research unit in the world dedicated to the study and advancement of work-integrated learning (WIL), such as co-operative education experiences. Participants in this session will receive an introduction to who we are at WxL and how WxL has advanced WIL at the University of Waterloo and beyond. This session will include insights into our recent research projects, consulting work, and education initiatives. As much as possible, the importance and value of this work will be presented from a variety of lenses – we aim to highlight how we support all our stakeholders including students, faculty, community and employee partners, various levels of government, and the national and international WIL communities. We will share findings and insights on topics such as the faculty differences that emerged from our Gen Z research, accessibility and accommodations in WIL for students from equity-deserving groups, and the role of student-faculty partnerships in enhancing teaching and learning. Additionally, we will share some of our upcoming education initiatives, such as our training certificate program that is in development, geared towards WIL supervisors.