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2010 CAFCE National Conference |
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2010 CAFCE National Conference |
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| Concurrent Session Abstracts - Charlottetown, PEI - June 20-23, 2010 |
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Session A - Monday 10:30-11:30 Session E - Tuesday 10:45-11:45
Learning Spirals – What the Internship Taught the Co-op Program That Taught the Internship Presenters: Anna Cranston & Ally Howard, Management Career Services, Dalhousie University
Abstract: Unique in Canada, Dalhousie University’s Corporate Residency MBA program was launched in July 2009. The success of the mandatory Commerce Co-op program at Dalhousie was a major catalyst in redesigning the MBA to contain an eight month corporate residency internship. Best practices and lessons learned from the co-op program provided a foundation on which to grow this innovative graduate work-integrated learning model.
In turn, the lessons learned in the development of new employer partnerships and the design of a truly integrative program have provided insight, knowledge and fresh perspectives that can now benefit the undergraduate co-op program.
This session will compare the designs of the Commerce Co-op and CRMBA programs, explore the synergies emerging from employer relationship development strategies, and consider future applications for a co-creative learning environment.
Mentorship Rocks: Results of a 3 Year Analysis of a Co-op Mentorship Program Presenters: Kathleen McDowell & Philip Brown, University of Toronto Scarborough
Abstract: This presentation will look at a specific Mentorship program and evaluate the impact of job search documents and the successful integration into the Work Term Preparation Course (WTPC) and the Co-op Students Association (CSA).
The Management Co-op Department at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) developed and implemented a Mentorship program in conjunction with CSA on campus in 2007: Mentors in Co-op (MiC). This program provides an opportunity to network and gain skills for both the first year and upper year students. The guidance that the first year students receive from their Mentors assists the Coordinators in providing more targeted appointments (cover letter, resume critiques and mock interviews) with individual students.
We will review our results of data analysis for 3 years including that of the Job Search Assignment marks from the WTPC where the Mentors had a hand in critiquing and providing feedback to their Mentees on their resumes. We hypothesize that when we investigate the recruitment cycles that the data will show that former Mentees have increased participation in seminars, Coordinator appointments and placements.
Further to the Senior level students becoming “Student Ambassadors”, we have been able to increase the engagement level of CSA in order to have them ultimately manage the program. Also, integrating the program into the WTPC has increased the level of networking the students participate in which in turn, assists in a heightened level during their job seeking process and work terms.
THE TWITTER-PATTER OF LITTLE TWEETS: BEST PRACTICES WHEN USING
SOCIAL MEDIA Abstract: Having used web 2.0 and social media tools/sites for everything from personal interest to professional communication as a career advisor, recruiter/university liaison and co-op coordinator, the need for understanding etiquette around each tool became very clear to me.
Every web 2.0/social media tool was designed and implemented for a different purpose. Understanding the context (what each tool is intended for, how it is used and where it has cultural relevance/who uses it) will play a huge part in deciding which tools we deem appropriate for communicating with students, and adopt as mediums for providing service.
I would like to first shed some light on the history and purpose of some of the most commonly used social media/web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn and Twitter. From there we can identify the ways in which we use these tools both personally and professionally, and the ways in which students use these tools personally and academically/professionally. Finally, we can identify some best practices as a group (and some horror stories we can share to help prevent others from making the same mistakes) we can turn to when designing new communications policies with our students.
Mapping Co-op Instructor Influence on International Students through Curriculum and Communication Presenter: Sarah Gibson, Thompson Rivers University
Abstract: This joint research initiative by Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and Royal Roads University (RRU) provides an overview of findings on international student learning in co-op education programs. The study is being conducted for a master’s degree thesis on the impact and influence of co-op instructor curriculum and communication at TRU. Aimed at inspiring dialogue between co-op instructors and practitioners, the research findings will map emerging themes for international student perceptions, expectations, and support requirements in co-op programs.
The following research questions will be explored:
Do co-op practitioners influence student perceptions of career management through selected communication channels and course curriculum? Are there cultural differences that can be addressed through targeted communication strategies? How can co-op practitioners create and measure culturally appropriate learning opportunities?
THE CASE FOR GOOD WRITING SKILLS IN COVER LETTERS: ACADEMIC CREDITIBILITY IN CO-OP Presenter: Tanya Behrisch, Simon Fraser University, Business Co-op
Abstract:
In 2007, SFU Business Co-op made a proposal to the SFU Student
Learning Commons to form a partnership to improve Business Co-op
students' writing skills as they relate to Co-op cover letter
writing.
The prime target group benefiting from this partnership are WIL students whose first language is not English and whose writing skills stand the greatest opportunity for improvement.
Uniting Co-operative Education and Career Services - The Challenges of a Newly Blended Family Presenter: Karen Reimer, University of Guelph
Abstract: The vision of a “one-stop shop” for all co-op and career related services for employers, students and alumni while avoiding duplication of administrative services is a great business model. However, much like a newly blended family, the newly merged co-op and career departments may suffer extensive growing pains as the two culturally different departments attempt to embrace a common vision. This session will look at the growing pains and successes of a centralized Co-operative Education & Career Services department that embarked on the journey of blending two 'families' structurally, physically and financially. The University of Guelph will present a short overview of their own methodologies, accomplishments and lessons learned in their processes.
Moments of Truth: An Expert Panel Faces The Toughest Issues For Co-op/Internship Professionals Part I Presenters: Scott Weighart (Northeastern University), Nancy Johnston (Simon Fraser University), & Anita Todd (University of Cincinnati)
Abstract: With the assistance of a CEIA grant, Scott Weighart—author of Find Your First Professional Job and Exceeding Expectations—has just published Learning from Experience: A Resource Book by and for Co-op/Internship Professionals. In search of best practices, Weighart interviewed 17 educators, asking them to weigh in on every aspect of running a co-op or internship program. In this session, Weighart will facilitate a panel discussion featuring at least two contributors to the book: Nancy Johnston of Simon Fraser University, and Anita Todd of the University of Cincinnati.
The panel will tackle the toughest questions that the book project yielded: In the face of the constraints of workload and resources, how do professionals keep an educational focus instead of becoming just a placement manager, trying to leverage learning opportunities wherever possible? How can we engage students in meaningful reflection? To what degree should professionals “play God” in terms of determining who works where? The panel will discuss these questions and more.
Engaging Liberal Studies Students in a Required Internship Process Presenter: Devin Rozansky, Endicott College
Abstract: Endicott College’s required internship program is a large selling point to students, but it strikes fear into the heart of parents and students alike when the students are majoring in Liberal Studies. Parents frequently cannot imagine their student fitting into any workplace, and students despair that their major will doom them to a life without a career. Through the process of searching for an internship, however, students frequently find careers that they are not only qualified for, but also passionate about. This presentation will begin by discussing the Endicott College model of requiring a series of three internships during a student’s college career. We will then discuss how to specifically engage Liberal Studies students in the process and how to help them have a successful internship experience
“1 vs. 100” a Fun and interactive game show that will challenge your knowledge of cultural diversity in a co-op environment Presenters: Joanne Foxton & June Martin, Georgian College – The Centre for Co-operative Education, Internship and Career Services
Abstract: In this remake of the NBC Game Show “1 vs. 100”, participate as a “Mob” contestant and test your knowledge through multiple choice trivia questions based on cultural diversity affecting students and employers in Canada. Contestents will test their knowledge of cultural interpretations in the world of Co-op, utilizing “clicker” technology. Participants will be presented with multiple choice questions to which they must select the correct answer in order to continue. The remaining player wins!
Learn from your peers in this interactive and fun session and celebrate Canada’s cultural melting pot and growing number of international students, internationally trained individuals and long time citizens/residents who would like to share their cultures with others.
You’re teaching – but are they learning? Delivering co-op career services to match learning styles Presenters: Robert Wooden & Jessica DeCoste, Management Career Services, Dalhousie University
Abstract: Everyone naturally has a learning style preference. Co-op practitioners can help their students by delivering services in a way that provides career related assistance in a format that will allow them to learn with ease. Dalhousie’s Management Career Services (MCS) is currently working towards the goal of delivering our service offerings to meet each learning style preference.
In addition to a brief introduction of learning styles, this workshop will review the MCS template of service delivery according to learning style preferences and give participants the chance to contribute to an ideal model of career service delivery.
In this session participants will: · Explore how to deliver your co-op services in a way that allows each student to learn within their preferred learning style · Discover new (and often time saving) ways to transform your current co-op service offerings · Find out what your peers are using to deliver their service offerings · Learn about the benefits of providing services that meet each learning style preference · Create an ideal template for meeting learning style preferences of all students
Telephone Excellence – Part I Presenter: Mary Jane Copps, The Phone Lady
Abstract: This “work” shop is designed specifically for professional co-operative education practitioners and is divided into two sessions, delegates can attend one both session.
Discover your unique “phone personality” and learn how to communicate more effectively with both current and potential employment partners.
*Current phone etiquette guidelines *How and when to leave messages *How to work with gatekeepers *Listening skills that reveal the “body language” of a phone call
Session two covers: *The secrets of “cold calling” – what to say on the phone and when to say it *How and when to follow up *When to ask questions and what questions to ask *How to stay motivated to make one more call
The Phone Lady specializes in business communication, specifically using the telephone to “make things happen”. Workshop attendees are more confident on the phone, have more messages returned, develop stronger relationships and have a higher level of job satisfaction.
Moments of Truth: An Expert Panel Faces The Toughest Issues For Co-op/Internship Professionals Part II Presenters: Scott Weighart (Northeastern University), Nancy Johnston (Simon Fraser University), Anita Todd (University of Cincinnati)
Abstract: With the assistance of a CEIA grant, Scott Weighart—author of Find Your First Professional Job and Exceeding Expectations—has just published Learning from Experience: A Resource Book by and for Co-op/Internship Professionals. In search of best practices, Weighart interviewed 17 educators, asking them to weigh in on every aspect of running a co-op or internship program. In this session, Weighart will facilitate a panel discussion featuring at least two contributors to the book: Nancy Johnston of Simon Fraser University, and Anita Todd of the University of Cincinnati.
The panel will tackle the toughest questions that the book project yielded: In the face of the constraints of workload and resources, how do professionals keep an educational focus instead of becoming just a placement manager, trying to leverage learning opportunities wherever possible? How can we engage students in meaningful reflection? To what degree should professionals “play God” in terms of determining who works where? The panel will discuss these questions and more.
Online Discussions During Cooperative Education: Merging Theory and Practice Presenter: Nancy Murray, University of Wisconsin – Stout
Abstract: See how online discussions for co-op students help them grow! This workshop will provide a review of qualitative research conducted by the presenter which supports benefits in dimensions of Community, Identity and Practice for students who participated in online discussions during their full-time off-campus co-op work experience. Part 2 of the presentation will provide best practice recommendations of administering an online discussion for full-time off campus co-op students.
How Diversity and Anti-Oppression Educators Handle the Challenges of Their Practice
Presenter: Kirsten Somers, Mount Saint Vincent University
Most universities are seeing an increase in diversity within the
student body, specifically with more international students on
campus. Co-op practitioners, in our service delivery, must be
aware and sensitive to diversity issues and diversity education is
the most widely used method in gaining a heightened sense of
diversity issues in the workplace. Talking about diversity education
directly relates to how co-op practitioners, as employees, coaches
and mediators handle their practice on a daily basis.
Making the Grade: Assessing the impact of co-op education on grade point average Presenters: Larry Iles, Susan Forseille, & Sarah Gibson, Thompson Rivers University
Abstract: Research, advocacy, and promotion supporting the educational benefits of co-op is vital in today’s economic and post secondary environments. This research project was conducted by TRU’s Career Education Department to explore the relationship between enrolment in co-op education programs and grade point average. The longitudinal case study will compare multi-year data of students enrolled in voluntary co-op programs against their academic peers not enrolled in co-op. The research will examine variables such as degree and diploma programs, gender, age, and number of co-op work terms completed.
Presenters will share their research approach, methodology, and early findings of the study. The presentation will conclude with an open discussion on best practices for advocacy and promotion of the significance and added value of co-op education programs on higher learning and long-term career
Telephone Excellence – Part II Presenter: Mary Jane Copps, The Phone Lady
Abstract: This “work” shop is designed specifically for professional co-operative education practitioners and is divided into two sessions, delegates can attend one both session.
Discover your unique “phone personality” and learn how to communicate more effectively with both current and potential employment partners.
*Current phone etiquette guidelines *How and when to leave messages *How to work with gatekeepers *Listening skills that reveal the “body language” of a phone call
Session two covers: *The secrets of “cold calling” – what to say on the phone and when to say it *How and when to follow up *When to ask questions and what questions to ask *How to stay motivated to make one more call
The Phone Lady specializes in business communication, specifically using the telephone to “make things happen”. Workshop attendees are more confident on the phone, have more messages returned, develop stronger relationships and have a higher level of job satisfaction.
CAFCE’S Application for Accreditation Revisited Presenters: Karen Reimer (University of Guelph), Rocco Fondacaro (University of Waterloo) & Karen McCargar (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Abstract: Accreditation Council members have revised and simplified CAFCE’s Accreditation application so that it is easy to read and requirements are clear. Material for each appendix is identified and forms the basis of a successful application. Participants are encouraged to review the new application form on CAFCE’s web site before the session and bring a rough draft of their application to the session. After a brief discussion of the new application, presenters will respond to questions and meet individually with attendees to offer their feedback on draft submissions.
The Growth of an Online Community Developed for Work-integrated Learning Students Presenter: Anita M. Todd, University of Cincinnati
Abstract: This session will discuss the results of as design-based research study to develop an online community for work-integrated learning students at work. Community design was based on Paloff and Pratt’s theory for online community development. The online community was designed iteratively with feedback from faculty, students, employers, and field experts. The community will be demonstrated. The online community will be used in a second research project to determine its effect on social interaction, collaboration and reflection, which affect learning through work.. This ongoing research project will also be discussed.
Monitoring Student Interns on Their Paths of Individual Development Using Web 2.0 Presenters: Benoit Savard & Denis Robert Elias, Université de Sherbrooke & SMA Competence
Abstract: One of the main objectives of cooperative learning is to offer student interns the possibility to acquire practical experience and to develop skills (knowledge, abilities, attitudes, values, etc.) that are pertinent to the profession they have chosen to pursue.
In order to ensure that student interns are provided with a structured mentoring and coaching approach in the pursuit of their objectives, a Web 2.0 application has been developed in partnership with the University of Sherbrooke and the firm SMA Compétences. The goal of the application is specifically to allow student interns to structure their reflections regarding their personal development over the course of their internships, and to work on their objectives in real time. The student interns find all the tools and performance aids they will need over the course of their internship program in a single application.
The virtual platform for monitoring the paths of individual development of student interns allows supervisors and internship coordinators to follow the evolution of each intern in real time and to provide personalized coaching and support while they develop skills and attain their objectives.
The path of individual development of student interns using Web 2.0, an application tailored to the new generation!
Co-operative Education and Student Engagement, Recruitment and Retention: methods and early findings from a multi-institutional study in BC Presenters: Nancy Johnston (Simon Fraser University) & Earl Anderson (BCIT)
Abstract:
Student engagement, recruitment and retention in post-secondary
institutions are
Note: This session is aimed at those interested in practical implications of the research.
Co-op for Elective Credit at your University Presenter: Shawn Read, Thompson Rivers University
Abstract: Experiential Learning is a critical element to the development and success of modern day university students. For over 15 years, the Co-operative Education program has been an integral part of the educational experience that students enjoy while attending Thompson Rivers University.
To enhance experiential learning through co-op education, faculty members of the TRU Career Education Department have worked together for two years to further develop the co-op program by offering Co-op for Credit to its students. In September 2010, TRU Co-op students will be able to count co-op for elective credit.
Presenters will describe the process and share how the TRU Career Education Department was able to change the Co-operative Education Program from a non-credit program to a credit program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.
The presentation will focus on how to start the process, how to achieve acceptance within the academic community of the institution, and how to gain approval from faculty councils and Senate.
The presentation will conclude by discussing the pros and cons of making such a move to the credit system and how it will impact the co-operative education program at your university.
INTRODUCING cafce'S sTATISTICS DATABASE Presenter: Mr. Kevin Rolston, Langara College
Abstract:
CAFCE member institutions are already beginning to enter data in the
new CAFCE Statistics Database. This database will provide us with
the concrete numbers we need for lobbying for support of co-op
within our institutions or with governments. Now, before you pick up
the phone to call the CAFCE office to ask “how many,” you can look
at the numbers yourself! In this session, you will learn what
statistics we plan to collect, when and how they are entered in the
database. The presenter will also demonstrate how to access reports
for your information and research. Real data will be reviewed.
This session is for
potential institutional stats editors, managers responsible for data
collection, number lovers, researchers, people who what to see how
CAFCE is growing, and for those who are just curious. At the end of
this session, you will appreciate the value of the database and what
your institution needs to do to enter its own stats and view those
of other institutions across Canada.
The academic diversity between areas such as Law, Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts is vast and adds additional challenges and learning opportunities for our students. In the face of an increasingly global economy, limited resources and with increased co-op participation among students, many strategies have been developed to serve our culturally and academically diverse students. In conjunction with fellow co-op practitioners, faculty representatives and student services, I deliver specialized and targeted programming. In this workshop, I will share some of my successful strategies used to recruit, engage and retain an increasingly diverse student population.
Growing Competencies Through E-Portfolios Presenters: Sally Gibson & Michelle Strenkowski, Vancouver Community College
Abstract: This workshop builds on the notion that e-portfolios can be used as a teaching tool to promote the development and use of Human Resource Development Canada’s Essential Skills. Further, that collecting and reflecting upon artefacts teased from course assignments and previous work experiences, underpins the use of e-portfolios not only for co-op job placements, but also to pursue other endeavours such as professional development opportunities, acceptance into advanced education programs, etc. Recognizing that a major focus in our diploma and degree programs is on reflective practice, enables us to expand upon the use of e-portfolios not only as downloadable warehouses of artefacts and reflections, but also as vehicles that can be used to transform and/or replace more traditional forms of work term reports.
SHIFTING Positionality IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION: A SELF-STUDY OF ENABLING BUY-IN Presenter: Jeela Jones, University of Ottawa
Abstract: This presentation reports on the findings of a study that explored my experiences of enabling buy-in to the shifting positionality at the University of Ottawa Cooperative Education Programs from a placement-focused to a learning-focused organization. For this study I followed a self-study methodology to answer the research questions, How am I enabling buy-in to the Cooperative Education Programs' shifting positionality? What do my enabling behaviors reveal about co-op's shifting positionality and for the larger community of co-op institutions? I gathered data by journaling anticipatory, contemporaneous, and retrospective reflections of my efforts to achieve buy-in to the shift from a placement to a learning focus. My journal entries were shared with Dr. Ruth Kane, a critical friend, who provided critical commentary. The themes that emerged include being a change agent, talking often and early on, becoming a leader, and utilizing self-study.
The Evolution of the Work Term Report
Presenters: Scott Daniels & Sonya Horsburgh, Mount Saint Vincent
University
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