Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education -- It's Working!
Co-op is an experiential learning program that allows students to integrate classroom study with experiences in the workplace.
A co-op course must be based on a "related" course (or courses) in which the student is enrolled or which s/he has successfully completed. The co-op course and the related course together constitute a student's co-op program, designed to suit the student's strengths, interests and needs to enhance the student's preparation for the future.
Co-op involves a partnership between education and business consisting of students, parents, teachers and employers. Students may spend half a day to a full day in their work placements and have the opportunity to learn by "doing" with on-the-job training.
Pre-Course Interview & Counselling
The purpose of this initial interview with the student is to ensure that:
the student is ready and committed to undertake learning in the workplace
the placement is appropriate to the student’s goals and interests
Pre-Placement Instruction
Instruction must be provided on:
health and safety in the workplace
employment law and unions
workplace ethics, human rights and confidentiality
Why take Coop?
Co-op students:
develop employability skills and on-the-job training
develop a good work ethic
gain valuable work experience that can help when applying to post-secondary institutions or when entering the world of work
establish relationships with employers and supervisors within the community
feel a sense of pride and ownership over their learning
feel like they are contributing to the wider community
explore potential careers and learn more about post-secondary options
Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP)
A PPLP must be developed for each student. It must be:
based on expectations from the related course in the Ontario curriculum and industry-specific requirements
developed by the co-op teacher in partnership with the employer and student
Regular In-School Integration Sessions
These periodic sessions provide students with the opportunity to analyse and share their workplace experience.
Click here for Assessment and Evaluation Practices