Experiential learning types
Trent offers students a variety of ways to earn extra credits and gain additional experience in their chosen field. Types of experiential learning that you may be exposed to through in-class experience learning include:
Laboratory work
Participating in laboratory work can be a great way to get hands-on experience. You’ll observe, test and apply course concepts in a controlled setting specialized for small group learning (typically affiliated with specific technology and/or facilities). A lab is a distinct course component, separate from a lecture, seminar or workshop.
Trent's specialized laboratory facilities include the DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre, the Chemical Sciences Building, the Water Quality Centre, the Microenvironment Laboratory, and the Centre for Environmental Modelling and Chemistry.
Case studies
Case studies are an excellent way to apply your knowledge to practical scenarios. By working through complex, ambiguous real-world problems, you’ll learn how to define, analyze and address the challenge head-on rather than from a distance.
Simulated workplace projects
You also have the opportunity to take part in a simulated workplace project or experience as part of a required course component or program of study.
Publication or conference presentation
Develop and present an original work at a conference or exhibition or submit an original work for publication as part of the component of the course. In-person or electronic delivery at the conference is acceptable (i.e., peer-reviewed conferences, professional conferences).
Traditional knowledge experience
Get involved with Indigenous elders and traditional knowledge holders in land-based or classroom environments.
Workplace projects
Looking to develop solutions or strategies to real-life industry problems? By taking part in a workplace project, you can engage with an organization, business or industry to identify issues or opportunities.
Job shadowing
Engage in a short-term workplace exposure/observation as part of a required component of a course or program.
Placements, practica and internships
From Social Work to Forensic Science, Education to Nursing, Health Sciences to the School of the Environment, Trent students earn academic credit in a variety of settings throughout Ontario and beyond.
Currently, placement, practica and internship opportunities exist in 14 departments at Trent.
This includes internship opportunities in Business Administration throughout the Greater Peterborough and Durham Region, as well as internships in Medical Sciences and Placement in Health Sciences, which helps students to prepare for careers in medical or applied health research, teaching, and med school.
Field placement: Provides students with a part-time/short term experience that is for academic credit, is generally unpaid and less than 10 hours/week in a setting relevant to their subject of study.
Professional practicum: Supervised, professional experience to provide students with the opportunity to practice and integrate knowledge and skills. Required for professional programs, certification, licensing or registration (i.e., social work, nursing, education).
Internships: Students gain program-related experience in a professional work environment for at least one semester full time. Supervised, discipline-specific work experience completed for academic credit and can be paid or unpaid.
Community service learning
Taking part in meaningful community service can help enrich your learning experience and strengthen your community.
Students have the opportunity to partner with community-based organizations and apply their disciplinary knowledge to address identified community needs or global issues.
Many community service opportunities are available through the Trent Community Research Centre.
Trent Community Research Centre
Want to make a difference in your community and gain extra experience?
Through the Trent Community Research Centre, students gain academic credit and experience by undertaking supervised research projects with local community organizations.
In community-based research, the questions come from the community and, using credible research methods, community members, researchers, professors and students work collaboratively to find the answers.
During the past twenty years, hundreds of students have completed successful projects that have made a significant contribution to the greater-Peterborough community.
Applied research
Conduct field research in one of our 11 on-campus nature reserves. Dust off original texts with your professor. Accompany your Archeology professor on a dig in Belize. Or work with some of the world’s top water-testing instrumentation in our Water Quality Centre.
Our students gain invaluable skills and experience that prepare them for graduate school and beyond. A wide array of applied research opportunities exist in the form of thesis, reading courses, or community-based research.
