This is a form of experiential education where students have the opportunity to develop competencies and skills and augment the theories/concepts learned in their course by getting hands-on experience within organizational environments. The learning emphasizes career exploration and employability/professional skills development (HECQO, Practical Guide for WIL, 2016). (e.g. Communication, Disaster & Emergency Management, History, Portuguese, Public Policy & Administration, Work & Labour Studies and Urban Studies). Students must complete this placement in order to complete/pass the course. They receive course credit but are not (generally) paid.
Key Features
How long do students engage in EE?
Students engage in activities where they practice the discipline or course specific competencies and skills in an authentic work context.
To what extent are community partners engaged/involved?
The experience requires a shared understanding between the Course Director and the partner organization of expectations and student capabilities; as well such placements require a formal agreement between York University and the placement site to address various issues such as confidentiality, insurance coverage, risk management etc.
Is priority given to student learning outcomes or community partner needs?
The experience is structured so that it benefits both student learning and the partner organization.
How long and how frequently do these experiences occur?
The placement is usually part-time and requires students to periodically return to class to share their experiences and make meaning of their time with the community partner. The length of the course-based placement typically last the duration of the course.
How are the students remunerated?
Course-based placements are required as part of the course. Students are evaluated (e.g. report, sponsor evaluation, self evaluation, etc.) on their placement performance as part of their final grade in the placement course. Placements are unpaid experiences.
Course Example
Liberal Arts and Professional Studies: Disaster and Emergency Management Field Experience
Placements in the field provide students with the opportunity to apply theories of emergency management in a variety of organizations within the private, public and NGO sectors. This field experience course will help to foster a greater understanding of the complexities and realities faced by emergency management professionals, while gaining real-world work experience that will be invaluable for a future career in emergency management.
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