DCO Co-op Project Innovation & Inquiry Co-op Experience

Creating Opportunities Through Co-op
DCO30
Project Innovation & Inquiry Co-op Experience

Ready to do more than just shadow a pro? This model lets you take the lead. You can launch your own business idea, lead a project to make your school better, or dive into research to solve a real-world challenge. Using the Design Thinking process—the same method top innovators use—you’ll learn how to turn a spark of an idea into a real solution. Your co-op teacher and industry experts will be right there with you as you build something that matters.

Think of this as a new way to do Co-op. Instead of a typical job, you can choose a path that fits your interests:

Entrepreneurship: Start your own business venture.

School Improvement: Fix a problem or start a new program at school.

Challenge Research: Tackle a big question or real-world issue.

What Did You Sign Up For?

So you are trying something different and entering into an inquiry based co-op experience!

Congratulations for stepping outside the box and challenging yourself with something new!

This co-op model is designed to promote student creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, and skill development. This co-op may be different from the traditional model as it does not require a SUPERVISOR giving you tasks. Instead, this is your "show" to highlight your ideas, creativity, connections, and your unique final product. This co-op will challenge you and also excite you as you work to explore a current interest area in a unique way.

Possible Lenses for the Semester

Below are the three different 'Lenses' or methods to approach this Co-op.

Your chosen Lens will frame your overall co-op program experience and unique self-directed journey.

The Entrepreneurship Lens

Do you have an idea of a business or a product that you have been wanting to investigate?

Do you have a passion for a specific area or topic that you wish to create innovative solutions for?

Do you want to gain skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur or business professional?

Then this could be the Lens for you!

From an entrepreneurship lens, you will work to develop a deeper understanding of your topic of interest while developing relevant skills in order to promote this idea to others. This lens encourages you to work towards a ‘marketable’ output by the end of the semester that you can hopefully continue to develop moving forward. Students work with community partners, other students, and various professionals to grasp all elements of the roles and responsibilities of an Entrepreneur. This Lens encourages students to develop their skills of creativity, grit, attention to detail, professional communication, and self promotion skills.

The School Improvement Initiative Lens

Do you see gaps in your school community connected to programming, spaces, supports, or engagement?

Do you want to step away from the role of a student and connect on a professional level with school and board staff?

Do you want to push your leadership and organizational skills to the next level?

Then this could be the Lens for you!

A school improvement initiative lens allows students to develop creative and innovative solutions that they can hopefully see implemented into their direct school community. Students using this model work directly with staff, admin, board professionals, and peers to develop and successfully implement steps to improve program areas or the general school environment. This Lens encourages students to develop their skills of personal reflection, leadership, communication, and accountability.

The Challenge Focused Research Project Lens

Do you have an industry of interest you want to explore but are unable to participate within it at your current stage?

Do you have passion for learning and developing a deeper understanding of real life industry challenges?

Do you want to develop your critical thinking and research skills to support future learning?

Then this could be the Lens for you!

A Challenges Focused Research Project lens allows you to explore some current challenges in an industry of interest. These challenges can be general, specifically from an industry partner, or something you develop based on experience. This lens encourages you to look at all angles of the challenge and the possible solutions to it. It encourages you to connect with many industry professionals to develop a well rounded understanding of the topic. At the end you will be working towards developing a proposed solution to your challenges in whatever form that may take place. This Lens encourages students to develop their skills in research, analysis, communication and networking skills for the future.

Experience Overview

Regardless of the lens you choose to approach your co-op experience, you are required to:

Complete various modules designed for you to fully invest and demonstrate your understanding of your chosen direction.
Gain perspective and learn pathways with relevant industry partners.
Develop your personal and professional network.
Meet Timeline:

Prepare for and schedule check point meetings.
Monitor and reflect on your ability to take the lead in this unique co-op model, identifying opportunities for further growth and learning.

Student Workbook - IMPORTANT - download & save!

Throughout this experience, you will be working within your 'Student Workbook' to record your reflections, process work and products. Your workbook allows everything to be in one place and will be an organizational tool for you to stay on track. This also allows your teacher and industry connections to track progress and provide support in a centralized way.

Make your own copy of the Student Workbook (Google Doc Version) (Fillable PDF Version)
Rename your Student Workbook to reflect you!
Share your Workbook with your teacher as editor

If you have not already done so, keep this website bookmarked as you will be accessing it throughout the term.

Modules & Structure

There are 7 modules within this course tool that you will be working to complete. Each module will have a focus and variety of tasks to take you through this process. There will be suggested timelines for the completion of each module but you should be working closely with your co-op teacher to ensure you are staying on a track that works best for you, your project, and your learning style.

In between each Module there is a required formal check point with your co-op teacher. Please ensure you plan ahead for these check point meetings and schedule them accordingly to ensure you are on the correct track.