Learning Outside the Classroom
Experiential learning is an essential part of the Redeemer experience. It enables you to take theories learned in the classroom and apply them in a variety of “real world” settings. Not only will this benefit your education, it will also help you in planning and preparing for your career. That’s why Redeemer incorporates a variety of experiential learning opportunities—co-operative education, internships, practicums, and off-campus study programs—directly into our academic programs. Checkout the Career Centre to learn more.
Co-operative Education
One of the most effective ways to apply concepts you learn in the classroom and to enhance soft skills is through our co-op programs offered in Business – Accounting, Business – Marketing, Business – Management, Business – Not-for-Profit Management, Kinesiology, and Mission & Ministry. Students will first participate in career development and job search classes to prepare for the work-integrated learning experiences offered in their field. Students complete two eight-month work terms, receiving encouragement and coaching along the way. Learn more about Co-operative Education at Redeemer.
Internships
Receive academic credit for internships in local or global organizations. These practical, hands-on experiences are designed to help prepare you for a future career. They are required or optional courses in many majors. During internship placements, you are mentored by both your placement supervisor and a Redeemer instructor. For more about internships, view the Academic Calendar.
Education Practicums
Practicums provide Redeemer’s Education students with an introduction to working as a classroom teacher. Practicums give you the opportunity to see the connection between theory and practice, and to be part of a continued conversation among experienced professionals, education students and faculty. Practicums are designed to provide extensive opportunity for guided practice. They range from initial classroom observation to increased responsibility for student learning, classroom management, assessment and instruction. The responsibility of the teacher candidate begins with assisting individual students, continues with leading small groups and concludes with sustained periods of whole-group instruction. These opportunities facilitate the transition from being novices-in-training to becoming effective teachers ready to assume full responsibility as professional educators. For more about practicums in Redeemer’s Education degree, view the Academic Calendar.
Other Practicums
Practicums are also used in the English writing stream to provide opportunities to practice your craft while earning academic credit. For more information, view the Academic Calendar.
Community Service Learning
By meaningful, reflective service in the community, CSL students are serving to learn, and learning to serve. Hamilton is a diverse city with unique needs and opportunities; for over 25 years, Redeemer students have been making a positive impact in various lower-city Hamilton communities. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference in the diverse communities that surround Redeemer. Our students get involved with ministries to refugees, street-involved populations, or at-risk youth; the opportunities are endless!
Community Engagement in Hamilton allows you to:
- Meet and understand those with different experiences.
- Live out your faith through word and action.
- Meet others who also want to make a difference.
- Gain valuable work experience and meet potential employers.
Other Forms of Experiential Learning
Art exhibitions and music recitals also give you a chance to practice and hone your creative skills. Experience first-hand what it is like to publicly showcase your work.
Independent research projects in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, health sciences, mathematics, and more, provide students with a chance to plan and carry out a departmentally-approved research project.
Student involvement in faculty research projects provide yet another way to learn by doing, in a variety of exciting areas such as facial recognition, virtue ethics, and water quality.
Off-Campus Studies
Where around the world do you want to go? Redeemer allows you to study at universities and organizations across the globe, all while fulfilling your academic requirements.
Travel to:
- Belize or New Zealand, for the Creation Care Studies program
- CityLAB Semester in Hamilton
- Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Off-Campus Programs in various programs in the Middle East, United States, Uganda and more
- England’s Oxford University
- Northern Michigan, the Florida Everglades, Washington’s Pacific Rim, and South India through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
- Ottawa’s Laurentian Leadership Centre
- The Netherlands, as part of the SPICE program
- Vancouver, to study at the Canada Institute of Linguistics
Learn more about Off-Campus Studies at Redeemer.
