Courses at Brescia

At Brescia, we have a number of diverse Curricular (for credit) and Co-Curricular (not for credit) Experiential Learning opportunities that students can engage in. Experiential Learning can be classroom-based, community-focused or in a work-integrated environment. The purpose of offering Experiential Learning experiences to students is to provide hands on, practical learning experiences where students can apply their classroom learning to concrete experiences. Depending on the type of experience, Brescia students can build their knowledge and leadership and learn a diverse set of skills including, but not limited to communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Classroom-focused learning

Classroom-focused involves engaging in Experiential Learning that takes place within the classroom environment (in person or virtually) and can include (but are not limited to) independent studies, hands on lab experiments, case studies and theses. Some examples of these include:

• History students going on class field trips to national, provincial/state or municipal parks to profile the history and power
• Political Science students engaging in a project with the City of London that is of strategic importance
• Food and Nutritional Sciences students getting hands on experience in the food labs to develop recipes, learn about equipment, safety and sanitation or plan menus.

Community-focused learning

Community-focused Experiential Learning can take place in the classroom where we connect with our community partners or out in the community engaging in activities or projects that directly support our partnering organizations. Some examples include:

• Leadership students developing a marketing plan for an organization
• Non-profit management students interviewing Executive Directors of non-profits to understand their organizational role in the community.
• Community Development students participating in community experience days at multiple organizations across London.

Work-integrated learning

The work-integrated environment involves practicums, clinical placements, field experiences and internships where students develop their competencies and skills through hands-on experiences within organizational environments. Some examples of these include:

• Family Studies and Community development students spending their practicum engaged in working on programs or projects with community organizations or working with students and teachers in elementary and high schools.
• Management and Organizations Studies internship opportunities for students to learn on the job training.

Co-curricular

We also have co-curricular (not for credit). Experiential Learning opportunities that students can get involved in that will be on their co-curricular record. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Student leadership initiatives (e.g., leadership role in student council)
• Peer education (academic peer tutor for students)
• Community-engaged volunteering (volunteering your time in the community)