Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning

Real World Learning Opportunities

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), which supports elementary and secondary school learners, took part in an initiative called Real World Learning Opportunities that “connects classroom knowledge to real-world situations and experiences” (Upper Canada District School Board, 2024, Real-World Learning section, para. 1). Learners have participated in real-world learning projects including Grade 3 learners who wrote a letter to FoodCycler (a food recycling alternative), and grew and sold plants to the community to raise funds for an outdoor learning classroom; TIES Production Crew, a group of Grade 5 and 6 learners creating social media content about their local school community; Grade 5 and 6 learners partnered with a local humane society to create posters profiling cats needing adoption and visiting local businesses to display the posters; 49 Grade 7 and 8 learners wrote decodable books to improve literacy scores for Kindergarten to Grade 3 in response to the right to read inquiry; and a senior construction class built a goat play structure for a local animal sanctuary. Check out UCDSB to learn more.

Work Integrated Learning

Work integrated learning experiences can also help strengthen community engagement and partnerships, while also building the confidence and skills learners need for success. A cohort of learners enrolled in a Veterinary Technology diploma program at Georgian College participated in a funded Clinical Placement Office Innovation Project. The project focused on enhancing canine care skills through work-integrated learning partnerships. Learners engaged in training with certified canine coaches where they could learn from trained experts in a safe learning environment. One of the cohort members found employment as a result of participating in the project. Check out Georgian College’s article to learn more.

Elkstwewc Ne Tmicw – Working Together on the Land

The Skeetchestn Indian Band, in British Columbia, partnered with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) and Thompson Rivers University for an innovative partnership, known as Elkstwewc ne tmicw – Working Together on the Land – that teaches Indigenous learners how to run a business and food sovereignty. Learners engage in course activities, workshops, and practicums with ranches and farms within Secwépemc communities to learn about regenerative agriculture, and traditional and cultural land use practices. Each learner completes a business plan that they will present to a panel of experienced agriculture producers and community elders for feedback. Check out TRU Joins Unique Indigenous Agriculture Partnership to learn more.