Experiential Learning Typology Framework
| Type | Instructional Setting | Description | Structure | Mandatory | EL Supervised by | EL Assessed by | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systemic Training | Apprenticeship | Paid, related practical experience sponsored by an employer and under the direction of a certified journeyperson in a work environment conducive to learning the tasks, activities, and functions of a skilled worker (CEWIL Canada, 2020). | 80% workplace experience; 20% technical classroom training
2-5 years to complete |
Yes | Employer | Employer | Yes |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Co-operative Education (Co-op) Work Placement | Formal integration of related experience in a workplace setting with academic studies. | Work terms are typically one semester; the number of required work terms varies by program.
Time spent in work terms is at least 30% of the time spent in academic study. |
May be optional but must be made available to all students in the program. | Employer | Employer | Yes |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Field Placement/Work Placement | Scheduled hours of activities intended to give students an intensive, practical, hands-on experience in the workplace. | Part-time/short term, typically integrated within an academic semester | Yes | Employer | College | No |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Fieldwork | Scheduled hours of activities intended to give students hands-on experience outside college facilities (e.g., in a workplace), or inside college facilities that simulate a workplace environment. | Varies; typically integrated within a course | Yes | Employer and/or College | Employer and/or College | No |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Simulation Lab | A type of Fieldwork
Scheduled hours of activities intended to give students hands-on experience inside college facilities that simulate a workplace environment. |
Varies; typically integrated within a course | Yes | College | College | No |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Clinical Placement | Scheduled hours of activities intended to give students hands-on experience in a hospital or health care setting | Part-time/short term, typically integrated within an academic semester | Yes | College or individuals working on behalf of the college (an experienced registered or licensed professional, e.g., preceptor) | College or individuals working on behalf of the college (an experienced registered or licensed professional, e.g., preceptor) | No |
| Work-Integrated Learning | Degree Work Placement – Mandatory (shorter than co-op) Placement | Formal integration of related experience in a workplace setting with academic studies. | 14 weeks of paid, full-time or equivalent part-time work (300 for 3-year degrees, 420 hours for 4-year degrees)
Typically occurs outside of academic semesters |
Yes | Employer and College | Employer and College | Yes |
| Other EL Activity | Capstone Project | Projects in which students attempt to solve a real problem through applied research. | Varies; typically integrated within a course | Yes | College and/or Employer/ Client | College and/or Employer/ Client | No |
| Other EL Activity | Service Learning | Community service integrated with classroom instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. | Varies | Yes | College and/or Employer/ Client | College and/or Employer/ Client | No |
| Other EL Activity | Faculty-led Study Abroad | Group learning activity centered on a portion of learning taking place abroad, outside of the classroom. | Varies | Yes | College | College | No |
