Innovative Education Programs

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Innovative Education Programs

• How to Train Skilled Workers
• Margaret-Ann Armour
• Department of Chemistry
• University of Alberta

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Experiential Learning - the Advantages

• ProvidesReal hands-on experience
• Puts learning into context
• Indicates the relevance of course information
• Shows the importance of team work in the
  workplace

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Examples of Experiential Learning

• Chemistry Industrial Internship Program
• WISEST and HYRS Summer Research Programs

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Chemistry Industrial Internship Program

• Features
• Available to students in honours and
  specialization chemistry programs
• Taken after completion of next to last year of
  program
• One-year long, usually May 1 until April 30
• Project-type work in related industry

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Results from Industrial Internship Program

• Students discover
• The value of the theory they have learned in
  University courses
• The skills companies are looking for in their
  employees
• The qualifications they need for the jobs they
  would like to have

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Results from Industrial Internship Program
(contd.)

• Students performance is stronger when they
  return to University for their final year
• Companies can assess the students as potential
  permanent employees
• Promotes communication between the
  University and Alberta employers

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HYRS and WISEST SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAMS
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The WISEST and HYRS Summer Research Programs

• Students from grade 11 are eligible
• Students spend 6 weeks working in research
  laboratories at the University of Alberta
• Students are paid for their work
• Students meet together once a week for group
  activities
• Several social activities are organized

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Aspects of the WISEST and HYRS Summer Research
Programs

• Students learn one-on-one
• Students experience hands-on research
• Students meet role models
• Students form a community
• Students learn about the University
• The commitment of students to the sciences and
  engineering is increased

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Thank you for your attention