We learn by doing

By Martha Blythe
Cooperative education exemplifies the concept that learning takes place not only in the classroom but also in the world at large. Coop students gain valuable resume and interviewing skills and then experience a possible career of interest with hands-on learning at a work placement. Schools and businesses partner to provide students the opportunity to gain transferable skills through experience. The personal interactions in a workplace, learning from mistakes, and exposure to the practices of a specific work culture are invaluable skills to which a classroom simply cannot give exposure.  Local Coop student Stephanie Dufraine said, “I would never get this much opportunity from my classes back at my high school.” In the work place, with the assistance of a mentor, a student can act upon an initiative and pursue the best way to achieve a goal with real results.

eCoop provides the opportunity to explore a potential career and, in many cases, get paid for it! Students can literally earn while they learn. In addition to experiencing the day to day tasks involved with certain careers, students get to work with the latest systems or technologies and begin to understand  work conditions and environments. They may encounter and witness what stresses can be involved and then experience the exhilaration of a job well done! With the work-integrated learning of eCoop, students have double the benefit of a stand alone academic credit – they also acquire experience in the real world to go with it.

Some real world skills students may learn in an eCoop placement in addition to career- specific skills:

Communication

Time Management

Project management

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Concept brainstorming

Team building Business software applications

LeadershipWith only four years in which to earn the credits needed to move on to university or college, students race toward their perceived goals, gathering prerequisites and focusing on high grades. There is rarely time for them to consider what it is they’re racing toward. Get your diploma! Get your degree!

Then what?

eCoop helps to answer this question. With on-the-job training, an entry on their resume, and the confidence that can only come with life experience, Coop students enter college, university or gain employment better prepared to face the challenges ahead.