Categories of Experiential Learning Experiences

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Built by Ambrose, these kinds of activities introduce students to the world of work as part of their post-secondary program. This is a model and process of curricular experiential learning which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of learning outcomes related to employability, personal agency and life-long learning. WIL activities include internships, coaching, mandatory professional practice, field experience, field placements, service learning, and community and industry research projects (CIRPS). (This definition is consistent with Alberta Advanced Education’s definition published 9 November 2020.)

Internship
Supervised, structured work experience, typically lasting a semester or more, at or near the end of a study program.

This is a term for a full-time extended learning experience in a ministry location, usually several months in duration, supervised by a practitioner whom the institution has approved and for whom the institution has provided orientation. In the intercultural studies programs, the internship is cross- cultural, and this is sometimes an international experience. This WIL experience is guided by procedures in the Field Education Handbook.

Coaching
Ministry Coaching is an alternative to Internship for students who are already in ministry roles, to encourage further development of skills. Guided by procedures in the Field Education Handbook, Ministry Coaching involves project work, reflection on practice, and interaction with both the ministry coach in the field and faculty member on campus. Either Internship or Coaching is considered integral to professional ministerial formation in the Seminary.

Mandatory Professional Practice
Supervised work arrangement required for a professional license or designation. These experiences are under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional.

This refers to Clinical Psycho-spiritual Education (CPE) courses connected to chaplaincy.

Field Placement
Work-related experiences that prepare students for professional or occupational fields, but are not required for a professional license. Field placement courses give students opportunities to apply their growing knowledge and skills in diverse workplace settings, under the guidance of a faculty member and the supervision of a workplace mentor.

Community Service Learning
Activities designed by Ambrose to achieve specific community goals. Combines classroom instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. Students work in partnership with a community- based organization to address a challenge identified by the community.

Community and Industry Research Project
Activities within courses in which students apply their growing knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems, serving partners in business, industry, the non-profit sector, or the community.

Research-Based Learning

Students whose career plans involve professional research work with a faculty member on a research project (independent research or student-faculty collaborative research) within a mentorship model that includes structured learning outcomes (Master of Theology Studies thesis). When an external partner is involved, these experiences may include a WIL component.

Indigenous and Land-Based Learning

Learning experiences undertaken in collaboration with Indigenous partners. When an external partner is involved, these experiences may include a WIL component.

Culminating Senior Experience

Capstone course, senior project or thesis, comprehensive exam, Personal Growth Portfolio, etc. When an external partner is involved, these experiences may include a WIL component.

Travel Study/International Travel Program/Study Abroad

Several programs offer opportunities to travel as part of the experience of education at Ambrose. This experiential learning experience is guided by course syllabi. When an external partner is involved, these experiences may include a WIL component.