YORK FOSTERS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Program gives students hands-on experience with local and international partnerships
“It’s only by leaving the classroom that you get to really understand what your duties as a human should be and how context is so important in how we, as a global society, address problems in the world.”” – Andre Moura
From attending baby showers to eating cake at birthday parties, Andre Moura was ingrained in his local Costa Rica community of Heredia.
The community’s problems, he says, were his own and he bonded with his family.
Moura, however, wasn’t a resident but rather a York University global health student who was in Costa Rica as part of his practicum placement. The experiential learning opportunity, he says, not only enhanced his academic experience but also made him a better person.
“During my undergrad, we were taught many theoretical and technical skills, from understanding statistics to being able to problem solve and develop reports,” says Moura, who completed his degree in May 2018. “During my real-world placement, I found myself subconsciously using these skills.
“But you also develop a deeper understanding of what you like, what you’re good at, what challenges you and what you’re capable of accomplishing. It’s only by leaving the classroom that you get to really understand what your duties as a human should be and how context is so important in how we, as a global society, address problems in the world.”
Experiential learning opportunities are a staple of York’s progressive approach to education. These opportunities are presented in three distinct ways: Students may experience them in the community through everything from mentoring to outreach initiatives, in the workplace by way of co-ops, internships or practicums, and in the classroom, where guest speakers and labs supplement lectures.
“When experiential education was brought up within the program, it made me more excited to pursue and finish this degree,” says Moura. “We can look at case studies in textbooks all day, but nothing beats having a real organization give you the opportunity at real-world work. It provides real purpose and motivation behind the education.”
Rhonda Lenton is York’s president and vice-chancellor. She says the heavy emphasis on experiential learning is an example of how much the university values presenting students with relevant experiences that get them job-market ready.
“We offer our students a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities because we know hands-on learning allows them to test their skills and knowledge in the field and helps them to explore and prepare for future career possibilities,” she says.
During his time in Costa Rica, Moura got to do just that. He spent a month and a half in Heredia, working with the regional toxicology institute at the Universidad National to analyze well water and pesticide exposure data. He was also able to go on an aid mission before travelling to the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor where he took a week-long eco course at the York University Eco-Campus. Moura then remained in the Corridor to conduct door-to-door interviews about occupational health in the region. He says the experiences made him more aware of the most ethical way to conduct his role as a researcher.
“For example, when conducting interviews, we need to ensure that as researchers we don’t harm or persuade individuals in an unethical manner,” he says. “There were many instances where I would have to weigh what I was doing with how my actions would ultimately impact people and their lives.”
Lenton says Moura’s Costa Rica experience also demonstrates why York designs its experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with local and international partners. In addition to wanting projects to be creative, relevant and mutually beneficial to communities, employers and students, the university also wants learners to come back with newly acquired soft skills.
“Working with communities and employers gives York University students the opportunity to hone the social skills and cultural awareness that will prepare them to be better problem solvers, team players and communicators in a global knowledge economy,” she says.
Beyond his workplace experience, Moura also had the opportunity to participate in York’s in-the-class experiential learning when an NGO came to discuss its current projects and gave students the task of performing a program evaluation, which was the course instructor supervised and graded.
“It’s important to change traditional norms that don’t properly represent the state of the modern world to better adapt to future difficulties the world may experience,” he says. “Experiential learning is a great and relevant way to do that by changing the way we teach and learn in our systems.”