Experiential Learning (EL) is comprised of hands on learning experiences that facilitate the linkages between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
A subset of Experiential Learning is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is defined by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) as a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of learning outcomes related to employability, personal agency and life-long learning.
Learn more about the types of Experiential Learning
There are nine types of WIL endorsed by CEWIL (2018). Each type is defined below along with a description of their implementation at Waterloo and available resources for instructors interested in learning more.
Apprenticeship
Definition
Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person (an apprentice) who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker and who is willing to sponsor the apprentice and provide paid related practical experience under the direction of a certified journeyperson in a work environment conducive to learning the tasks, activities and functions of a skilled worker. Apprenticeship combines about 80% at-the-workplace experience with 20% technical classroom training, and depending on the trade, takes about 2-5 years to complete. Both the workplace experience and the technical training are essential components of the learning experience.
Apprenticeship at the University of Waterloo
An apprenticeship is a systemic training often related to learning a skilled trade. Based on this definition, the University of Waterloo does not offer apprenticeships in any of the faculties. Some course descriptions may include "apprenticeship" where students obtain a volunteer position while attending the course seminar. In these courses, students are required to be an active participant in their own learning to find a partner organization, establish goals and learning outcomes, and reflect on their skill development.
Resources
Co-operative Education
Definition
Co-operative Education (Co-op) consists of alternating academic terms and paid work terms. Co-op internship consists of several co-op work terms back-to-back. In both models, work terms provide experience in a workplace setting related to the student’s field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
Co-op at the University of Waterloo
Co-operative education is synonymous with the University of Waterloo. It’s one of the innovations that the University was founded on nearly 60 years ago. Today, our incomparable co-operative education program is the reason 70% of incoming undergraduate students choose Waterloo.
Resources
Internship
Definition
Internships offer usually one discipline specific (typically full-time), supervised, structured, paid or unpaid, for academic credit or practice placement. Internships may occur in the middle of an academic program or after all academic coursework has been completed and prior to graduation. Internships can be of any length but are typically 12 to 16 months long.
Internships at the University of Waterloo
Centre for Career Development states an internship is an opportunity for "learning by exposure". It involves spending a prearranged period of time, either a few months, a semester, or a few hours per week during the semester, working (paid or unpaid) in a field of study or interest. An internship offers many benefits to both students and employers.
Learn more about some of the internship opportunities available to Waterloo students:
- Applied Health Sciences
- Arts
Resources
Other Resources
Entrepreneurship
Definition
Entrepreneurship at the University of Waterloo
- Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) allows students to pursue an entrepreneurial co-op option in which students start their own business while earning a co-op credit.
- Minor in Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurship Option in Engineering are designed for students who want to explore entrepreneurship by taking courses to enhance their technical background with business skills. Students take courses that provide opportunities to apply theory to their venture and in some cases, such as BET300, the change to work with local startups.
- Entrepreneurship at Environment builds pathways and partnerships to help Environment students explore their passions and consider turning their ideas into an actual enterprise.
- St. Paul's Greenhouse Innovators in Residence Program is a live-in community and incubator program that supports students wanting to tackle social or environmental problems.
Resources
- Explore opportunities in Entrepreneurship at Waterloo
Service Learning
Definition
Community Service Learning (CSL) integrates meaningful community service with classroom instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. In practice, students work in partnership with a community based organization to apply their disciplinary knowledge to a challenge identified by the community.
Service Learning at the University of Waterloo
Community-based learning is a high impact practice which can improve student retention and engagement, and help students better absorb, retain, and transfer knowledge.
Many programs, courses, and instructors provide opportunities for students to engage in community service learning.
- St. Jerome's University offers several global and local CSL programs that expose students to social justice issues.
- Students completing a Minor or Option or Research Specialization in International Development are required to acquire practical experience with an organization or initiative that identifies with the mission of the INDEV program: building a fairer, more equitable and environmentally sustainable world.
- School of Pharmacy students are required to complete a Community Service Learning Milestone to better understand their role in serving vulnerable populations and in improving community health and wellness.
Resources
- Community-Based Learning Teaching Tip
- Incorporating Service Learning into University Courses
- Community Service Learning: Testing the Indirect Effects on an Undergraduate Social Determinants of Health Class
Other Resources
- McMaster University Incorporating Community-Engaged Education into Courses: A Guidebook
Applied Research
Definition
Students are engaged in research that occurs primarily in workplaces, includes: consulting projects, design projects, community-based research projects.
Applied Research at the University of Waterloo
Mandatory Professional Practicum/Clinical Placement
Definition
Mandatory Professional Practicum/Clinical Placement involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and, as the work is done in a supervised setting, typically students do not have their own workload/caseload.
Mandatory Professional Practicum/Clinical Placement at the University of Waterloo
This type of WIL occurs in specific fields where the practice-based work is required for professional licensure or certification. Many of the practica and placements available to Waterloo students fall outside of this definition since they are not a requirement for a professional certification. However, many programs offer an optional practicum or placement opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in a workplace environment.
- Applied Health Sciences
Resources
Field Placement
Definition
Field Placement provides students with an intensive part-time/short term intensive hands-on practical experience in a setting relevant to their subject of study. Field placements may not require supervision of a registered or licensed professional and the completed work experience hours are not required for professional certification. Field placements account for work-integrated educational experiences not encompassed by other forms, such as co-op, clinic, practicum, and internship.
Field Placement at the University of Waterloo
Field placements are immersive experiences that give students the opportunity to use the skills they have developed in the real world. They are beneficial for disciplines where an authentic context cannot be replicated in the classroom. Though field placements require careful planning, they can have tremendous impact on students.
- Environment
- Science
- Social Work
Resources
Work Experience
Definition
Work Experience intersperses one or two work terms (typically full-time) into an academic program, where work terms provide experience in a workplace setting related to the student’s field of study and/or career goals.
Work Experience at the University of Waterloo
Waterloo students in regular (non-co-operative) program can participate in work experience though EDGE, Waterloo's experiential education certificate program. Students complete work and community experience milestones to develop key professional skills, explore their career options, and learn how to market themselves to employers.