About

Trent’s Continuing Education program provides access to a variety of experts in different fields for learning in an informal, relaxed and personalized setting. The courses are offered at Traill College in the heart of downtown Peterborough, for easy access by the community.

Traill College is perfectly placed to serve the community that was instrumental in creating Trent over 50 years ago. We are very happy to offer Continuing Education courses that embrace the ideals of lifelong learning that Trent was founded on. The classes are held mostly during the evenings, Monday to Friday, except for some special workshops on Saturday mornings. 

The Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Dr. Michael Eamon, Director of Continuing Education, Trent University

It really isn’t a surprise to know that everyone has their own approach to learning. Research into education has shown that there are many different types of learners and learning styles. Researchers have also demonstrated that, like an active body, an active mind must be cultivated, maintained, and receive regular exercise.

We are all lifelong learners. Every day is replete with new experiences to learn from and sometimes with mistakes to be corrected, or avoided, in the future. The twentieth-century philosopher and educator John Dewey underscored the importance of both experience and reflection in learning. However, we can also fall into routines at work or at home. Dewey argued that routines have a way of limiting reflection. While routines can offer us comfort, they also can make us bored.  If you are looking for more in life, you are not alone. Many adults are looking not only for new experiences, but a safe, fostering and fun space to reflect upon new ideas. Yet, there still can be fear that such an experience won’t meet their needs, or respect their specific learning style. 

Lifelong learning can take many forms. We are fortunate in Peterborough to have access to recreation and wellness centres, libraries, clubs, churches and community programming that suit almost any interest. At Trent University, we have designed our adult education courses with convenience, flexibility and enjoyment in mind. No preparation, or advanced knowledge is required and there are no tests and no marks. Each one of our classes is a self-contained, two-hour session on a specific topic.  All of our classes happen at Catharine Parr Traill College, Trent University’s downtown campus that offers a fun and engaging environment, perfect for both new experiences and reflection: those cornerstones of learning.

Traill College shares Trent University’s official motto of “now I know in part.” It is a phrase that suggests a formal education is only the beginning of lifelong journey of discovery. Over fifty years ago, the community made a commitment to fund the creation of Trent University. Today, Trent is committed to the Peterborough community and the ideal that everyone should be able to continue their education through exciting experiences and meaningful reflection.

Our Testimonials

"The continuing education program was perfect for me, because I was able to attend classes and immerse myself in Academia on a small budget, while still going to work everyday. The classes were super accessible, and the vast topics to choose from made it very appealing for me. I learned so much, without being overwhelmed financially or schedule wise. I really recommend it to anyone who misses school, or wants a taste of university life!" - Y. Leghari