CO—-OFERATIVE EDUCATION UFDATE
OCTOBER, 1985

  

  
  
  

DOUGLAS COLLEGE
. ARCH re

Early in August of this year, the "Mad Hatter" ran a tory announcing the
introduction of a comprehensive co-operative education program at Dougtas
College. The purpose of this article is to provide an update of the program

development work that has been accomplished since that time, as well as a
timetable for implementing the program.

 

  

First, for the benefit of those of you who may have been on holidays
when the first article was printed, the concept of co-operative education
is briefly defined again, and then within this context, the type of program
Douglas College will be striving for is outlined.

What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative education is an educational strategy which attempts to
provide students with a bridge between the world of learning (secondary and
post-secondary) and the "real" world of work. This linkage is achieved by
complementing classroom studies with practical application in a genuine work
environment. The term "co-operative", then, refers to the close relationship
which must exist between the school and the employers in order to provide
this type of education.

The Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (C.A.F.C.E.) requires
the following minimum elements for an accredited Co-op Program:

1. Each work situation is developed and/or approved by the institution

as a suitable learning situation.

The student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing.

The student receives remuneration for work performed,

The student's progress on the job is monitored by the institution.

The student's performance on the job is supervised and evaluated

by both the employer and the institution.

6. The total co-operative work experience is normally 50% of the time
spent in academic [classroom] study, and in no circumstances wil]
this figure be less than 30%.

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Although the College does not intend to apply for accreditation right
away, it recognizes the importance of establishing high program standards
from the outset.

What are the Benefits

 

There are a number of ways in which students can benefit from participating
in such a program. The process of formally integrating course studies and
related work experience can:

- reinforce, test, expand, and lend relevance to classroom learning.

- clarify career direction and goals.

- enhance personal growth (confidence, maturity, independence and
interpersonal skilis).

- increase motivation for current and/or future studies.

- improve post-graduation employment opportunities.

- help students meet the rising costs of going to school.