Education

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2019 7 Online from Anywhere. Keep learning. Register now for September courses at umextended.ca/online, or call 204 474 8800 today. Working professionals know that the key to success in today's rapidly-changing workplace is continuous learning. We've responded by developing programs and courses designed to help you keep learning – with the highest quality instruction and flexible delivery methods. Online Programs: Business Analysis NEW Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/post-secondary institution in Manitoba. Change Management Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/post-secondary institution in Manitoba. Quality Management Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Graduates are eligible for ASQ certification. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Earn a credential that meets local, national and international needs for teacher development. Program Development for Adult Learners Meet the growing need for adult educators and trainers, and learn how to design and develop effective adult learning programs. Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional designation to add to your resume. Human Resource Management Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework – providing eligibility for the CPHR designation. Follow us on BRANDON UNIVERSITY PERSONALIZED, PRACTICAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE By Todd Lewys for the Free Press When it comes to getting a quality education, going to a big institution isn't always the best route. A smaller university outside Winnipeg's boundaries may offer the personalized, practical experience you need. Schad Richea, Department Chair of Brandon University's Bachelor of Physical Education Studies program (BPES) and Head Athletic Therapist for BU's Bobcats Athletics, says that's exactly what students get at the western Manitoba institution. "As a smaller campus, I think our draw is our community, and the fact that classes tend to be smaller in size," he says. "We do our best to keep classes at 20 to 30 students — classes are rarely over 40. We do it on purpose because it gives us more one-on-one time with students." A prime example is the Physical Education program, where classes fall in that ideal 20-to-30 student range. "One of the biggest benefits of smaller classes is familiarity," says Richea. "Students call instructors by their first names and we call them by their first names, too! Students are comfortable asking questions in class or after class. That comfort level allows us to impart more knowledge and share our experience." And because instructors get to know their students on a more personal level, they tend to get a better read on their strengths and weaknesses. "That allows us to identify skills and to show students that they have more ability than they might think," he says. "It also allows us to help them explore the potential for a different career path, something that could open up a whole new opportunity for them. Getting to know students more intimately allows us to identify their potential and help them unlock it." One such student was Kayley Dowd, who came into the physical education studies program after switching degrees. Eventually, she got into an Athletic Therapy after-degree program after seeing Richea's obvious passion for it. "It was something that grew on me," she recalls. "I actually had no idea that I wanted to be an Athletic Therapist. Having Schad as a mentor really helped me fall in love with it." Dowd adds that Richea's personalized approach — she was one of a select group of four to six students chosen by Richea yearly to work with Bobcats student athletes — gave her the chance to gain practical experience and see if Athletic Therapy was something she truly liked. "I spent a lot of time in the clinic with Schad and was there pretty much every day. He walked me through things and let me do things my own way. I was able to work with the different teams at the university and apply what I learned. It showed me that it was something I wanted to pursue as a career." With that in mind, Dowd subsequently applied to the University of Manitoba's Athletic Therapy program and was accepted. There's no question in her mind that learning and working under Richea paved the way for admission to the U of M's highly-sought-after program. "Everything I did under Schad built my confidence and gave me confidence in my skills. I think I had a comfort level that showed itself, and that definitely helped me get into the program at the U of M." That's the whole point of providing such a hands-on opportunity, says Richea. "My job is to give students basic skills and then use real-life, real-time experiences to help them apply those skills. Going through everything — students also work in-clinic with me to gain more advanced skills — helps them find out if Athletic Therapy is for them, or not. Historically, most students come to be a physical education teacher. I want to show students there are other opportunities, like Athletic Therapy." Dowd says she's glad Richea took the time to expand her educational horizon. "I'm scheduled to start in Athletic Therapy at the U of M in September. I can hardly wait and am so excited to learn everything I can. I'm going into a career I love because Schad gave me the opportunity and shared his passion and knowledge with me. If I hadn't been given the opportunity, I might have missed out on a great career." For more information, visit brandonu.ca. ❚ Brandon University student Kayley Dowd said she was inspired to become an Athletic Therapist thanks to the practical experience she gained working with Schad Richea (top), Department Chair of BU's Bachelor of Physical Education Studies program and Head Athletic Therapist for Bobcats Athletics. Brandon University photos

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