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 within an instructional framework.

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)
book, backpack, mortar board cap, apple, bell, paint brushes and palette, scissors, globe, notepad, pen, pencil, calculator, and book

 

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. 

 The Centre for Student Engagement hosted a virtual LAUNCH Internship Information Session on March 8, 2023 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.

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.

 

International Experiences

picture of a trolley

Students travelled to Portugal last summer and spent 10 amazing days exploring education and enjoying the rich culture this country had to offer. On this all-inclusive, 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.

Applications Closed.

The Education Studies minor offers 160+ hours of domestic, international and virtual field placement and internship opportunities designed to help students develop and apply their leadership skill in a professional environment as they work as creative problem solvers and put their theoretical knowledge to practical use. 

 

Education Studies Students Interning in a school in Weifang, China

 

Education Studies Students Interning in a school in Weifang, China

Education Studies Students Interning in a school in Weifang, China

Community Opportunities

EDS provides opportunities for students to participate in paid and unpaid work through our internship and Learning Academy programs. Examples include volunteering in a newcomer Canadian and Syrian Refugee support program, tutoring students one-on-one, working in a Saturday language program, and/or working in a TA or research position with EDS.

Valued Internship Partners of EDS Include:

  • The Peel Board of Education
  • The Halton Board of Education
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Aspire Tutoring
  • Enertech Capital
  • Syrian Canadian
  • The City of Mississauga
  • UTM Early Learning Centre
  • The Toronto District School Board
  • The Halton Catholic District School Board