Experiential learning brings a new dimension to education
Concordia University is always working to multiply opportunities for active learning engagement in and beyond the classroom.
Through experiential learning, Concordia University students learn by doing. Whether it’s in or out of the classroom, on or off campus, these transformative experiences allow students to take what they’ve learned in their courses and put it to practice, while acquiring key skills in new and meaningful ways.
Students are clamouring for these types of tangible opportunities, and Concordia University is always working to increase the level of impactful experiential learning engagement.
“Eventually, we would like every student to complete at least one experiential learning activity before they graduate,” said Nadia Bhuiyan, vice-provost for Partnerships and Experiential Learning.
“There’s research that shows the importance of experiential learning, and how, in addition to providing a deeper and more effective learning experience, it leads to the development of key skills that students need in the 21st century. Students agree: the university conducted a survey where we asked students to rate 10 items in order of importance to them, and experiential learning was chosen as their highest priority.”
A hands-on learning activity can take on a variety of forms. It can mean an internship program where students enter the workplace and develop valuable on-thejob training while getting remunerated for their work. There are also co-op programs, where students alternate between full-time academic terms and full-time, paid work terms.
Experiential learning can also take place in the classroom, through working on projects with experts in the field to create real world solutions to pressing issues such as climate change. Whatever the form, the goal of experiential learning is the same: enriching the classroom experience, engaging students, and enhancing a variety of skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, to name a few. Bhuiyan’s role involves partnering with community, industry, and government to develop opportunities that are mutually beneficial, in order to offer these learning experiences in a sustainable way, as well as developing innovative initiatives that offer more opportunities to learn actively.
“We’ve seen a huge difference in the confidence of students who have taken part in these types of handson learning activities,” said Bhuiyan. “It changes them in a deep and meaningful way, and they suddenly believe that anything is possible. When someone also believes in these students, and provides them with appropriate supports along their path, the transformation we see is incredible.”
With Concordia University’s new Beat the Odds internship program, the school is seeking out students who would otherwise miss out on these pivotal experiences.
Beat the Odds targets undergraduate students who are historically underserved in society and more likely to encounter systemic barriers of unemployment, underemployment, and low academic standing. Black and Indigenous students, peoples of colour, and students with financial challenges or disabilities are among the participants.
As a student at John Molson School of Business, Sevda Bostanci completed a monthand-a-half long internship that brought perspective to her studies.
“It was an experience related to human resources, which was exactly what I was looking to do,” said Bostanci.
A mother of two children, Bostanci said the program helped her maintain a healthy work-life balance. It provided her with an opportunity she otherwise wouldn’t have considered applying for.
“They helped me achieve my academic goals in a way where I didn’t sacrifice my responsibilities to my kids,” she said. “It was even great to meet other parents who are on the same path as me.”
Montreal-based security solutions company Genetec has a long-standing partnership with Concordia University. In 2021 alone, they hired 149 interns through Concordia’s co-op program.
According to human resources coordinators Stéphanie Delarosbil and Olivier Julien, Genetic has found an infusion of students into their company has helped them retain their corporate values.
“Concordia has such a great pool of students who are willing to learn and gain professional experience. It is only natural that we want to offer them the opportunity to come learn and grow with us,” said Julien.
Interns at Genetec have the same roles and responsibilities as permanent employees. They’re given meaningful tasks and projects. Most of Genetec’s interns are in software developer or software tester positions.
“They significantly contribute to the success of the company, while having a certain degree of autonomy,” added Julien.
Even though the interns can come from different academic backgrounds, Delarosbil said they all come with an inquisitive spirit. They’re encouraged to ask questions and are expected to learn on the job, rather than come in knowing all the answers.
“If they ask questions, it is mainly because they are curious and want to learn and understand. This shows a certain level of interest and motivation,” said Delarosbil. “These are qualities we look for because it is always important to ask ourselves if what we’re doing could not be done differently, in a better way.”
As experiential learning continues to develop as an essential component to a university education, Concordia is continually seeking out new ways to offer learning pathways that expand the horizons of their students.
Experiential learning leads to graduates who are better prepared post-graduation, whether they enter into the workforce, work in community, or pursue research.
“The world is experiencing multiple transformative disruptions which have major implications for education, the 21st century workforce, and for society at large. We want our students to be wellprepared to shape the future.”
For more information, visit concordia.ca/ learningbydoing