Education

8 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 EARN YOUR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES NEW! Explore different disciplines related to health sciences, such as biology, anatomy, and genetics and find your passion to pursue further studies. Discover. Explore. Learn. Apply Today at Prov.ca/Science CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY (CMU) PRACTICAL LEARNING INVALUABLE By Todd Lewys for the Free Press When Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) got its start in 2000, they were looking for a way to differentiate themselves from other universities. After much brainstorming, they decided to take a new approach to learning: every student enrolled at CMU would be required to take part in a practicum program. In short, students — no matter what degree they were pursuing — would be placed with a business or organization to gain practical, on- the-job work experience. "The program has been in place for the entire time we've existed," says CMU president, Cheryl Pauls. "It was to be the defining feature of CMU and has been for nearly 20 years." Pauls notes that the concept — few, if any Canadian universities were practising it nearly two decades ago — was gleaned from a unique place. "It actually grew out of the ethos of service learning, which led to the concept of work- integrated learning. That concept involved having students spend a significant amount of time in an off-campus work placement." As students navigated their way through the placements, they were not only charged with the task of gaining hands-on work experience but were also required to reflect on the experience through written assignments, readings and discussions with supervisors. "Students either tell us where they'd like to do their practicum, or (placements) are based on conversations we have with students," says Pauls. "We ask them where they come alive, and then do our best to provide them with the best available match." And matches there are. CMU has developed over 500 community partnerships with companies and organizations in areas such as education, business, health care, social services, government, agriculture and NGO organizations — both locally and globally. "We do about 70 or so placings per year," says Werner Kliewer, CMU's director of practica. "Some students know what they want, while others have no clue. Our goal is to find out what students are interested in, and then find the right placement for them." He adds that the practicum program is an invaluable experience in more than one sense. "Not only do students learn so much and make connections, but it provides them with a great opportunity to go out and try something. In many cases, a student finds the right fit. In others, they realize it's not for them. It's all good because the experience helps students really figure out what they want to do for a living." At the same time, being placed in a real-life work situation pushes students to learn how to think — and find themselves in the process. "It helps them find their way, connect ideas with practical solutions and connect with teams," Pauls says. "Practical learning helps students see life through a different lens and allows them to figure out what they're suited for. Even though it's challenging, students love it. It (the practicum program) is a significant drawing card for us." Another thing that draws students to CMU is the opportunity to gain invaluable people skills, she adds. "In addition to teaching students how to think critically, we also do our best to add so- called human skills to the in-class work and practicum program — the ability to be creative and constructive in how you build community." Possessing those skills is critical in a work setting, says Pauls. "Companies and organizations are looking for people with good character — people who can work as part of a team, who are collaborative, and who are willing to get involved and work hard. The practicum program is part of a larger vision here." That vision? "To develop well-rounded people who have a feel for developing a spirit of community, and a spirit for caring for others. By preparing students properly for the work world, I think everyone flourishes — both the students and businesses." For more information, visit cmu.ca. ❚ The practicum program has been a defining feature of CMU from the start. CMU photo "In addition to teaching students how to think critically, we also do our best to add so-called human skills to the in-class work and practicum program — the ability to be creative and constructive in how you build community."

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