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Campus as a Living Lab
Exploring the Campus as a Living Lab: A Pathway to Innovation and Engagement The concept of a “Campus as a Living Lab” is not just an academic buzzword; it’s a transformative approach that turns a non-classroom part of the university campus into a hub for experiential learning and community engagement. Dr. Allison Cammer’s invitation to explore this concept is a call to action for students, faculty, and staff to engage with the campus beyond the traditional classroom setting. Why is ‘Campus as a Living Lab’ Important? The ‘Campus as a Living Lab’ initiative is crucial for programs like nutrition, where real-world application and community interaction are key components of learning.…
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Looks Far Woman
Looks Far Woman Looks Far Woman is the guardian of the fourth moon cycle. Among other things, Looks Far Woman is also a visionary. She teaches humanity the ability to see the truth from multi-dimensions. She warns us of the power of fear, and the potential it has on limiting the possibilities of growth. Removing fear allows for us to see beyond its barriers, and it is within these peripheries that we might see the potential for growth. (Sams, 1993) The University of Saskatchewan has received the gift of potential growth from Indigenous perspectives and worldviews. The ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan – let’s fly up together – Indigenous Strategy for the…
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Bringing Theory to Life Through International Experiential Learning
The University of Saskatchewan’s taught abroad courses aim to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible experiences (this is a form of experiential learning). In Dr. Kirsten Fisher’s 300-level Political Studies course, students explored transitional justice through onsite interactions with governmental, non-governmental, and community organizations in Uganda. This was possible because of Dr. Fisher’s research in these communities and existing relationships. This demonstrates the efficacy of the teacher-scholar model to align what we research with what we teach. This immersive approach to learning enriches students’ understanding, illuminating the nuances of real-world applications of the policies they’d studied. Key tip: Leverage the teacher-scholar model, such that existing research partnerships can benefit students, even in the…
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Weighs the Truth
Weighs the Truth The third moon teaching, from the book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, by Jamie Sams, acknowledges taking responsibility for the truth. Sams explains that this moon is the Guardian of Justice; the teacher of principles that emphasizes the ability to see all sides of a situation, rather than seeking punishment. The wisdom in this teaching focuses on doing the right thing and allow oneself to make decisions that are not based on, “class distinction, hierarchy, wealth, supposed power and popularity” (Sams, 1993). Weighing the truth is having the ability to look within oneself and to acknowledge a truth regardless of how painful it may be. Racism is one…
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The Life-Giving Role of Field Work in Biology Courses
Biology 228 at the University of Saskatchewan stands as a testament to the enduring value of field work in higher education. After a 10-year gap and a reduction in field components, this course which serves approximately 140 students has re-embraced experiential learning, recognizing its profound impact on student development. Led by seasoned lab educator Scott Halpin, whose expertise spans four decades, Biology 228 exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on experiences. By venturing outdoors, students transcend traditional classroom boundaries, cultivating a deeper connection with nature and their academic pursuits. Key Take-Aways Field work fosters transformative experiences for students. It cultivates systems thinking skills by nurturing observation, ecological literacy, and a deeper…
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Elevating Mentorship in Higher Education: The Key to Effective Preceptor Development
Mentors play an invaluable role in shaping the future of our students. The integration of preceptorship, and their input on assessment, in workplace learning is necessary to fully actualize experiential learning. Here is a summary of a conversation with Taylor Raiche, Experiential Learning Assessment and Program Development Specialist at the College of Pharmacy, providing crucial insights into the essence and importance of preceptor training for effective mentorship. Key takeaways Preceptors Play a Crucial Role in Professional Identity Formation Preceptor Supports Matter Clear Rubrics Help Everyone Balancing Consistency and Adaptability Preceptorship is a mentorship model where experienced professionals, in their workplace context, guide students, offering a hands-on approach to learning. This…
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Wisdom Keeper
Jamie Sams, author of, The Original 13 Clan Mothers, offers a template for personal and professional consideration. Through the wisdom passed down to her from the medicine lodges, Sams’s knowledge can be a tool for bridging meaningful relationships in educational systems that were historically were not inviting spaces for Indigenous people. Last month, we invited some thought into the first moon teaching, Talks with Relations. In this teaching, Sams shares the appreciation of the unspoken language to communicate with, not just one another, but to be mindful of what the animals, plants, and sky can teach us. This understanding creates a space of understanding diversity that allows insight into the…
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Classroom
Educators today are at the forefront of fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the classroom. Promoting EDI in the classroom is a journey of continual learning and adaptation. The Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL) has created a resource designed to enrich educator’s understanding and application of EDI principles and provide strategies for incorporating EDI principles into instruction and assessment. The inner petals of the EDI Flower represent the GMCTL Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) competencies. Surrounding them are the outer petals, embodying the foundational EDI principles and emphasizing respect for the diverse identities in classrooms. The leaves symbolize five broad knowledge areas essential for…
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Talks With Relations
Jamie Sams, author of, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, leaves with us a wealth of knowledge that was passed down to her by her grandmothers, Cisi Laughing Crow, and Berta Broken Arrow. Sams was of mixed descent, her heritage included French, Cherokee, Seneca, Choctaw, and Mohawk (Brussat & Brussat, 2006). While the teachings are centered around women, the lessons and values are both universal and versatile. Sams explains that the clan mothers’ teachings, passed down through medicine lodges, are acknowledged with gratitude to grandmothers, Cisi Laughing Crow, and Berta Broken Arrow. However, she continues to remind us that these teaching also belong to, “all of the Children of Earth” (Sams,…
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2024 Funding to Address Priorities Using Open Educational Practices
In a recent survey of approximately 2,500 University of Saskatchewan (USask) students, respondents indicated that an investment in open educational resources (OER) rated in the top five either “important” or “very important” areas USask should invest in. Similar results came from the 2022 survey. Over the past eight years, USask educators have increased the integration of open educational practices (OEP) at USask, including OER and open pedagogy, thus saving students more than $1.7 million during the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to these savings, students have created or contributed to Open Educational Resources (OER) in the form of open textbooks and learning materials for various community and campus organizations, generating…