Experiential Learning Opportunities in Education Studies

 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning is embedded within EDS courses. Students have a chance to hone their leadership skills as they participate in field placements, community engagement activities and explore inclusivity and diversity both through the lens of theory and scholarship and through real-world classroom and community interaction.

On this page:

Field Placements

This is a short-term practical experience working in the field. Field placements are usually around 20 hours long and are offered as course components such as assignments. While embedded within the course itself, some placements may also be self-selected by students.  

 

Internships

These are typically 100-hour placements in either a school or a corporate environment.  

Launch Leader (with EDS377H5)

Dear Students,

Did you ever wish you had a reliable upper-year student to guide and mentor you throughout your first year here at UTM? If you have had such experience, do you wish to pay it forward?  

If either of these statements resonate with you, be sure to consider joining the Centre for Student Engagement’s LAUNCH team!  

 As a LAUNCH Leader, you would have the chance to facilitate weekly sessions for your community of new students. You will grow your skills as a leader, as you get to work with a diverse group of students and help guide them through their first term. If you want to become a stronger presenter, LAUNCH not only teaches you how to be a stronger facilitator but provides you a chance each week to grow and practice! 

 The role of a LAUNCH Leader is an academic internship for the fall term. In addition to facilitating your weekly LAUNCH sessions, LAUNCH Leaders are enrolled in EDS377, in which you learn more about student transition, and the importance of student support. This fun interactive course gives you 0.5 credits towards a HUM or SSc distribution credit and allows you to gain a true understanding of students, and their transition into university. 

 

Research Opportunity Programs (ROPs)

These are opportunities to work on research projects under teaching faculty at the university for one or both terms of the academic year. ROPs are offered as courses and count towards credits required for graduating. Enrolment in ROPs are limited and require faculty/departmental approval. Bursaries may be available for students enrolled in an ROP. For more information on available ROPs in Education Studies or other disciplines, please visit the Experiential Education Unit website.

Past projects and faculty supervisors include:

  • Innovation in Education: Learning Sheds and Maker Spaces (Prof. Liz Coulson)
  • Learning in a Pandemic: COVID and Schooling (Prof. Liz Coulson)
  • Learning in a Pandemic: A Secondary School Study (Prof. Liz Coulson

 

International Experiences

Students travelled to Portugal last summer and spent 10 amazing days exploring education and enjoying the rich culture. On this interactive trip to Lisbon, with a visit to Porto, students had the opportunity to attend a conference hosted by the Instituto de Educação(IE) from the Universidade de Lisboa, engage with education experts in and out of the classroom, and connect with undergraduate students. All this while forming lifelong bonds with their classmates and Professor Elizabeth Coulson. 

Through the experience, students had the chance to:

  • Be observed during class time; 
  • Add international teaching experience to their resumes;
  • Engage in a mutual learning exchange with local educators;
  • Discover Portugal's education system;
  • Ignite passions for teaching in an international setting. 
Education Studies Students Interning in a school in Weifang, China

Education Studies Students Interning in a school in Weifang, China

 

Student Groups-Related Opportunities

EDS has an active student group called TESA that regularly collaborates with LSAS and other student groups in the department.

Research Assistantships / Other Paid Opportunities

Faculty members in Education Studies often have volunteer or work-study positions available. You can find further information about these positions by: 

  • visiting the CLN website (for work-study and paid research assistantship positions)
  • reaching out to individual faculty members to see if opportunities are available if you have a particular interest in participating in their research

Past projects include:  

  • University Learning Academy (Prof. Liz Coulson)
  • Learn to Lead (Prof. Liz Coulson)
  • Grade 11 - Pre-University Program (Prof. Liz Coulson)